Meningitis Research Foundation has joined calls encouraging young people in part of Calderdale, West Yorkshire to take up the Meningococcal Group B (MenB) vaccine when contacted.
An immunisation rollout has been sparked following a small cluster of cases concentrated in the Todmorden area, which has sadly resulted in one death.
Cases tend to be sporadic and isolated so, whilst the chances of catching meningitis is low, young adults are at greater risk. Now, all 16 to 24 year olds in the OL14 area will be offered the MenB vaccine at a series of drop-in clinics. The invitation for the immunisation, which is given in two doses at least one month apart, will also be extended to all 15-year-olds who are turning 16 before the end of August.
Meningitis Research Foundation is stressing the need to remain vigilant, by being aware of the symptoms and encouraging those in the area who are eligible to take up the vaccine. The charity is also asking for everyone to check they are up to date with all routine meningitis vaccinations which may have been missed or delayed due to the pandemic. This includes a vaccination for MenB which has been routinely offered to babies at 2, 4 and 12 months since September 2015.
Young people, aged 13 to 15, are routinely offered MenACWY vaccine, which offers protection against four strains of meningococcal bacteria (A, C, W & Y). However, it does not protect against MenB, which is why it is vital for teenagers and young adults in the Todmorden area (OL14 postcode) to also ensure they act on the invitation text message they will receive from their GP, with details of the MenB vaccination drop-in clinic they can attend.
Vinny Smith, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go out to the families in Todmorden who have been affected by meningitis.
Sadly, this is further evidence of the rebound in meningitis cases we warned of at the start of the year, as lockdown restrictions in the UK eased. This was evidenced by recent data from UKHSA, which indicated a sharp rise in MenB cases in teenagers and young adults, with case numbers in those age 15-19 years old exceeding pre-pandemic levels. We have also received a corresponding increase in the volume of enquiries to our helpline relating to MenB.
It’s important to recognise that while there are only a handful cases, vigilance is key. We welcome this action to protect those at greatest risk of MenB in the area.
Meningitis is a race against time, it progresses rapidly and can have life-changing implications. The best way to protect yourself, and those that matter to you, is to check you’re up-to-date with all routine immunisations and take up any additional vaccinations available to you, as these offer protection against some of the common causes of bacterial meningitis, which can be life-threatening. It’s also important to understand that meningitis vaccines offer protection against different types of bacteria but there is no one single vaccine to prevent against them all. So it’s vital to be aware of the symptoms, so you can spot the signs quickly and know when to seek urgent medical attention.”
You can find out further information about the vaccine rollout in Todmorden by visiting: https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/meningitis-b