Time running out for young people to receive meningitis B vaccines in UK
Fewer than one in three eligible young people in the UK have received their first dose of a meningitis B vaccine as experts warn time is running out.
The clock is ticking for young people in the UK to receive vaccinations to protect against meningitis B, as figures reveal fewer than one in three eligible in a one-off campaign have received their first dose. Earlier this year, an unprecedented outbreak of meningitis B in Kent and clusters of cases in Dorset and Berkshire caused three deaths, as well as life-long health consequences among some survivors.
Vaccine campaign details
In response to the outbreak, the government announced in June a one-off, time-limited programme offering young adults two doses of a vaccine that protects against most strains of MenB bacteria. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), all those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 are eligible, as well as people under 25 who started university or residential further education for the first time this autumn.
The deadline for getting your first dose is 31 December, so please don't leave it until the end of term or forget it amongst all the Christmas and other holiday festivities.
The latest data shows just 28.2% of 18- and 19-year-olds have received a first dose.
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