- From this week, young people are receiving the second dose of
the MenB vaccine
- Over 17,000 have come forward for their first dose
- There is still time for those in the eligible cohort to
receive their first dose
- Both doses are necessary for full protection.
From this week young people will begin to receive the second dose
of their potentially lifesaving Meningitis B vaccination.
In the first four weeks of the time-limited roll out, over 17,000
young people across Wales came forward for their vaccination.
Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, , visited a clinic at Maelfa,
Cardiff, where she met young people receiving their second dose
ahead of starting university this autumn.
The vaccine is administered as two separate doses, one month
apart, and eligible young people must complete both doses to
ensure best protection. The second dose can be accessed in a
student's university town if needed.
The free vaccine offers protection to all young people born
between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, as well as those
under 25 attending higher education or residential further
education for the first time this autumn.
Eligibility for this programme is based on those at the greatest
risk. Young people heading to university for the first time are
seven times more likely to develop meningococcal disease,
particularly those living in shared accommodation, with shared
social and catering facilities and close mixing. The vaccination
offer is also extended to students who are living in further
education accommodation or halls of residence who may be mixing
in similar ways.
said:
I urge every eligible young person across Wales to follow the
example of those I've met here in Cardiff today and make sure you
go back for that vital second dose.
If you haven't taken up the offer yet it's not too late. Book an
appointment to get your first dose as soon as possible."
Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease
Programme at Public Health Wales, said:
Thousands of young people across Wales have already taken up the
offer of the MenB vaccine, which is a really positive start in
helping protect those most at risk as they prepare to begin
university or residential further education.
Meningococcal B disease is rare but can progress rapidly and
cause serious illness, so it is vital that everyone who is
eligible comes forward for their vaccination and, just as
importantly, makes sure they receive their second dose. Two
doses, ideally before starting their course, provides the best
protection against this devastating infection.
Eligible 17- and 18-year-olds will receive a letter from their
health board. Those under 25 starting higher education or
residential further education for the first time who have not
received a letter should contact their health board directly or
visit the Public Health Wales website for further information.
Notes to editors
The time-limited Meningitis B vaccination programme began to be
rolled out in Wales on Monday, July 20
