Public Health England is urging local parents to make sure their children are up to date with the MMR and MenACWY vaccines before they leave home and start college or university.
The MMR vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. The vaccine is given at 12 months and then again at 3 years 4 months.
MenACWY protects against the ACW and Y strains of Meningitis. The MenACWY vaccine is offered to children in school years 9 to 10.
If you are unsure about your child’s vaccine history, it’s easy to check. Just call the GP practice and ask about MMR and MenACWY vaccine history.
If necessary, a catch up vaccine at the GP can be easily arranged. It is important to do this before term starts.
Measles
The reminder from Public Health England comes in light of measles outbreaks across Europe, England and most recently the South West.
Between 1st January and 13th August 2018, there have been 828 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England, with 138 of those cases in the South West.
Some students who are now of university/college age may have missed out on their MMR when they were younger, as MMR uptake was as low as 80% in 2003, which means that up to 20 in 100 young adults could be unprotected.
The MMR vaccine is available for free to anyone who has not received two doses as a child.
Meningitis ACWY
The MenACWY vaccine, is routinely offered to those in school years 9 and 10 to protect against four meningococcal strains that include the aggressive W strain of the disease.
Anyone who has missed out can still get vaccinated free of charge through their GP until their 25th birthday.
The MenACWY and MMR vaccines are especially important for students about to enter university who are at increased risk of meningococcal infection.
As well as getting the vaccines, it is also important for students to be aware of signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease as the vaccine does not protect against all forms of this disease and seeking early medical help for themselves or a friend could be live-saving.
Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly and can kill or leave people with life changing disabilities and health problems.
Symptoms include: a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck.
The W strain can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Meningitis and septicaemia are very serious and require urgent attention.
Dr Julie Yates, Screening and Immunisation lead for the South West, said: “We know that students who are about to enter either university or college for the first time are at an increased risk for both measles and meningococcal disease.
“When large numbers of people come together and live and socialise in close proximity the risk inevitably increases.
“To help protect our student population, we are urging parents to use their pester power to make sure their children are protected with these two important vaccinations before leaving for university or college.
“We know that once students have started at university, life and work can get very busy which is why we are reminding students and families now.
“Get your vaccinations now and enjoy the first few weeks of university without fear of getting ill or missing out on studies or parties.”
For further information about vaccinations, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/.