The NHS has launched a free meningitis B vaccine campaign aimed at young people, with about 90,000 youngsters being given the new jab, according to Sky News. The drive is designed to protect those heading into a new phase of education, and the health service is encouraging those who are eligible to take up the offer while it is available.
The campaign is being run in particular with university-bound young people in mind. According to the report, it is in preparation for young people going off to university for the first time in September. However, it is not limited to future students, and the eligibility has been set to reach a wider group of young people of the right age.
The eligibility criteria were spelled out clearly. According to the report, the vaccine is open to all children or young people of year 13 age and above. In addition, any young person under 25 who is attending residential further or higher education for the first time in September is also eligible to receive the vaccine.
Booking the vaccine has been made straightforward for those who qualify. According to the report, young people can book an appointment via the NHS website, through a service described as quick and easy to use. Nearly 8,000 pharmacies are involved in delivering the campaign, providing a wide network of locations where the vaccine is being offered.
The report also set out what full protection involves. According to the coverage, two doses are needed to be fully covered, and those two doses need to be given at least four weeks apart. That schedule means young people are being encouraged to start the process promptly rather than leaving it until the last moment before term begins.
The cost of the vaccine was highlighted as a reason to act. According to pharmacy representative Mike Hewittson, while people outside the eligible groups can be vaccinated privately, the NHS is offering the vaccination free of charge, which he said could save people a couple of hundred pounds. He described the service as free and easy to access.
Those behind the campaign made a direct appeal to eligible young people. According to the report, Mike Hewittson, speaking for pharmacies, encouraged everyone who is eligible to come forward and be vaccinated as quickly as possible while the service is available. He noted there are plenty of appointments on offer for young people who want to be vaccinated.