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Young people heading to university are being encouraged to check whether they are vaccinated against meningitis – with a free catch-up vaccine available next week for islanders up to the age of 25.
Although most teenagers receive the MenACWY vaccine in Year 9, approximately 10% students miss out each year.
Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and can be associated with septicaemia.
Though cases are rare – with Jersey seeing fewer than five cases between 2017 and 2022 – they can be very serious, and students going to university are at particular risk as they are mixing with a huge volume of new people.
Pictured: "The risk of contracting meningitis rises when mixing with new people."
A catch-up clinic is scheduled at the Hospital's Outpatients Department on Wednesday 13 September between 17:30 and 19:30.
Vaccines will be available to students heading to university this year, as well as anyone else under the age of 25 who wasn't vaccinated in Year 9.
Director of Public Health Professor Peter Bradley said: “It is important that those attending university get this vaccine before they jet off as the risk of contracting meningitis rises when mixing with new people.
"The vaccine is extremely effective in protecting against this illness and I fully urge those who missed out in Year 9 to take up this offer.”
To book an appointment or get further information, islanders can call the Immunisation Specialist Lead Nurse on 01534 445790.
Students who are leaving the island before the catch-up clinic date next week are encouraged to get in touch in advance.
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