Agency issues meningitis reminder

The Agency are reminding all those born between July 2, 1997 and July 1, 1999 - as well as university students up to the age of 25 - that they are entitled to the Men ACWY vaccine.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, explained: “Older teenagers are at higher risk of getting MenW disease, so you need to get vaccinated to help protect yourself. It will also reduce the risk of you carrying the bacteria, therefore also protecting those around you.

“Older teenagers and those starting university for the first time usually mix with larger groups of people, making them more exposed to various infections or diseases.

“The best way to protect against meningococcal A, C, W, or Y disease is to get the vaccine before starting university.”

MenW was rare in the UK but there has been an increase in cases in recent years.

Even those who have recently had the MenC vaccine, such as in school, are urged to get the Men ACWY vaccine.

For more information, visit www.pha.site/menleaflet