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Health watchdogs fear another meningitis outbreak as it emerged hundreds of thousands of young people eligible for a jab are yet to take up the offer.
A one-off vaccination programme was launched this year after outbreaks which began in Kent in March left two young people dead.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned ‘similar outbreaks could occur again’ as it urged young people to get the meningitis B vaccine.
Year 13 pupils, aged 17 and 18, and those under 25 starting university this autumn are being offered the jab through pharmacies.
But figures show just 26.6 per cent of Year 13 pupils had taken up the offer by September 20.
This means 212,549 have been vaccinated out of the 799,840 eligible. Health officials said coverage is ‘gradually increasing’ but expressed concern over the numbers still unprotected.
University students in particular are at increased risk due to ‘social mixing patterns’. Research has found that the risk for students in their first year of university is about seven times higher than those who do not go to university.
The UKHSA said those who are eligible should have two doses of the jab as soon as possible, which can be booked on the NHS website. The doses need to be administered 28 days apart.
A student receives the Meningitis B vaccine at the University of Kent in Canterbury in March
Students queue up to get vaccinated at the University of Kent in Canterbury in March
Dr Sharif Ismail, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said: ‘We know how devastating meningitis B can be.’ He said patients who survive the illness can face ‘lifelong health consequences’.
He added: ‘Our recent genomics study highlights how suddenly and unpredictably dangerous new strains of meningitis B can emerge, such as the one seen in the Kent outbreak.
‘This means that similar outbreaks could occur again.’
The vaccination programme began on July 20 and will run until March 31, 2027. Data suggests that the jab is highly effective, providing strong protection for at least five years.
NHS England’s director of vaccination, Caroline Temmink, said: ‘We want to reach more young people, which is why the offer of menB vaccination remains in place at high street pharmacies across the country, and we’re encouraging anyone who is eligible, particularly young people starting university for the first time, to come forward and get protected as soon as possible.’
Juliette Kenny, 18, died in the Kent outbreak on Saturday, March 14, one day after first showing symptoms of the deadly bug.
Juliette Kenny, 18, died on Saturday surrounded by her family after falling victim to the deadly bug which has swept through several towns in Kent
Her family have been campaigning for teenagers and young people to be routinely given access to the meningitis B (menB) vaccine.
The Kent outbreak was the fastest growing and largest seen in the UK, and other smaller clusters of meningitis in young people since then have been bigger than expected.
Close and prolonged contact in halls of residence, shared homes and at social events can increase the risk of contracting menB and cases tend to peak between October and November.
Data suggests the menB jab is highly effective, providing strong protection for at least five years after vaccination.
