Vaccine booster warning for new students

Tuesday 12 August 2014

School leavers are being warned to get a Meningococcal Group C (MenC) Vaccine update before they start university this autumn.

New students are more vulnerable to getting meningitis because they are mixing closely with lots of people they haven’t come into contact with before, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria.

The vaccine offers protection against MenC bacteria, which can cause meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain. The same group of bacteria can also cause blood poisoning (septicaemia).

MenC disease is rare but can be life threatening and occurs mainly in young children and young adults. Before the vaccine was introduced in 1999 up to 100 people a year died from the disease in the UK.

Many of those receiving their A-Level results in Jersey this week will have been vaccinated as children, however, immunity decreases over time so the Department of Health recommends getting a booster.

Dr Linda Diggle, head of healthcare programmes at Public Health said: “We know that students receiving their A-level results this week will have a lot to think about, and will be excited if they are going to university. But we’d encourage them to take a few minutes to go to their GP for this important booster vaccination.

“This recommendation has come from the UK Department of Health. They’re concerned that this year’s university entrants, who last had a MenC vaccine when they were pre-school age, are at risk due to the close contact students can have in halls of residence and particularly during Freshers’ Week.”

School leavers will get a reminder along with their A-Level results, so they have time to get the booster before starting university.  This will not apply to students starting at Highlands as the risk for those staying in Jersey is thought to be much lower. In addition, a booster is not currently considered necessary for older students who received their first MenC vaccine in 2000.

Dr Diggle said:  “It’s important for students to get the booster injection at least two weeks before heading off to university, as it takes time for the vaccine to provide protection. We’ve ensured sufficient stocks are is available at GP practices and students won’t have to pay for the vaccine itself, although they may have to pay for the appointment at their GP surgery.”

For more information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis see www.meningitisnow.org and www.meningitis.org