JAB TO PROTECT AGAINST NEW MENINGITIS THREAT

THE Government is so concerned about the rise in the numbers of cases of a virulent new strain of Meningitis Wthat it has launched a programme of free vaccinations for all 17 and 18-year-olds and first-time university students up to the age of 25.

The single shot jab, called ACWY, protects against four different strains of meningitis: A,C,W and Y. Although 200,000 doses of the vaccine have been made available, many GPs have not yet received their supplies.

Public Health England says more doses are on the way. It advises students who haven’t been invited for vaccination to contact their GP.

Ideally, new students should have the jab before they leave for university, as the first few weeks of term are thought to be when the risk is highest, as they will be coming into contact with many new people.

The new strain is caused by the bacteria Men W. Students are particularly at risk because they are more likely to carry the bacteria — for reasons that aren’t clear.

While for most it will be harmless, a small number can develop serious illnesses: meningitis, an inflammation of the lining of the brain, and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Both meningitis and septicaemia can be successfully treated with powerful antibiotics if identified quickly — but can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, epilepsy, amputations and blindness, or death, if not caught in time. Symptoms include fever, headaches, an aversion to bright lights, a stiff neck, vomiting, sleepiness and sometimes seizures.

Septicaemia symptoms include cold hands and feet, shivering, rapid breathing, paleness and a purple rash.

Many people associate meningitis with a distinctive purple rash, but this often develops once the illness is very far advanced, so you should not wait for the rash to appear before seeking help.

Parents who do not want to wait or whose children may not be eligible can get the injection privately at travel clinics, private GP practices and hospitals with a travel clinic.