UKHSA Warns 580,000 Brits as Deadline Nears to Take Action
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned hundreds of thousands of young people that time is running out to receive their first dose of a free vaccine. Around 580,000 people have until New Year’s Eve to come forward.
In an alert issued on Thursday (November 12), the UKHSA urged eligible 18- and 19-year-olds, along with first-year university students, to get their first MenB vaccine dose. The appeal follows several outbreaks of meningitis B in England this year, which have resulted in three deaths.
The agency said it is concerned by the low uptake of the vaccine. The free programme is available to all 18- and 19-year-olds born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008. It also covers people under 25 who began university or residential further education by December 31.
The latest health figures show that just 28.2% of eligible people have received their first dose. Of those, 68.8% have gone on to receive a second dose, meaning roughly seven in 10 people who started the course have completed it.
Two doses are required for protection, and they must be administered at least 28 days apart. The offer of a first dose ends at the close of this year, but anyone who receives it in time will still be able to get their second dose until March 31.
The UKHSA said: “Data show that young people starting at university are at increased risk of meningococcal disease because of social mixing patterns and other risk factors. The risk for first-year university students is around seven times higher than for people of a similar age who do not attend university.”
Dr Shamez Ladhani, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Worryingly, only just over a quarter of 18- and 19-year-olds have received their first MenB vaccine dose, and time is running out to get both doses and protect yourself against this devastating disease.
“The deadline for receiving the first dose is December 31, so please do not leave it until the end of term or allow it to be forgotten amid the Christmas and other holiday celebrations. Parties and gatherings inevitably mean more mixing with other people, increasing the risk of meningococcal disease spreading among young people. Book your appointment now.
“We know the vaccine can cause a sore arm for a few days, but compared with the potentially devastating, life-changing consequences of infection, it is simply not worth missing out.”
Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Public Health and Patient Safety, said: “It is encouraging that so many young people have received their MenB jab, and I pay tribute to NHS staff and pharmacies across the country who have helped make this programme possible.
“However, many eligible young people have yet to take up the offer and are missing the opportunity to protect themselves against this serious disease.
“I urge anyone who has not yet had the jab to come forward, make sure they receive both doses and ensure they are fully protected this Christmas.”
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