Meningococcal disease alert

UNIVERSITY of Otago students are being urged to get immunised against meningococcal disease over the summer break, as the number of cases continues to rise.

This year, four Otago students were affected by meningococcal disease.

There are several different strains of meningitis: an outbreak of an especially virulent one, Group W, has struck Northland in recent months.

The most common strain in the Southern DHB region is meningococcal B.

Meningococcal disease was a very serious, lifethreatening disease which could also cause significant permanent disability, Student Health Services operations manager Margaret Perley said.

‘‘Adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 19 years are in a highrisk group,’’ Ms Perley said.

‘‘We strongly recommend all students and particularly those living in residential colleges be vaccinated against meningococcal disease.’’

Three injections are required to provide optimal protection against current circulating strains of meningococcal disease: two of the meningitis B vaccine, which need to be at least four weeks apart, and one of the meningitis ACYW vaccine.

‘‘There is a national shortage of the meningitis ACYW vaccine due to the vaccination programme in Northland,’’ Ms Perley said.

‘‘We have been told this vaccine should be available again in a few weeks.’’

Meningitis B vaccine — the strain posing the greatest threat to southerners — was available.

Student Health Services clinical group leader of nursing Katherine Martin said students in the city should book a 15minute nurse appointment for their vaccination, and students outside Dunedin should contact their local general practice to discuss vaccination.

Any necessary followup vaccinations could be carried out at Student Health Services in Dunedin.

‘‘We would encourage students attending university next year to begin their immunisation schedule as soon as possible, to ensure they have coverage for the start of the academic year in 2019.’’