Have you been vaccinated against meningitis?

Health chiefs are urging all young people to check whether they have been vaccinated against meningitis after a deadly outbreak of the disease in Kent.

A university student and sixth form pupil have died in the outbreak of ‘invasive’ meningitis in the Canterbury area where there are 15 confirmed cases.

Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) said the disease can affect anyone but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly and can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves, but vaccinations offer some protection including:  

• MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year
• 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to children at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months
• pneumococcal vaccine – 2 doses offered to babies at 16 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over
• MMRV vaccine – offered to children at 12 months and 18 months
• MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and “fresher” students going to university for the first time

Dr Becky Barker, Interim Director of Outcomes and Clinical Community Leadership (Medical) said: “Meningitis can develop suddenly and can be lifethreatening, especially in children and young people. My son had meningitis as a baby and thankfully, we were lucky enough to get treatment early.

“At that point, the vaccination wasn’t available, but I would strongly urge parents, teenagers and young people to get vaccinated so they don’t rely on luck – the best protection we have is vaccination. It’s safe, effective and offers vital protection against the most serious strains of the disease. Ask your GP about getting vaccinated.”

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• a high temperature (fever)
• being sick
• a headache
• a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
• a stiff neck
• a dislike of bright lights
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order and patients do not always get all the symptoms.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.