Young people urged to book ‘lifesaving’ meningitis jabs this summer before heading to university

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Injection / jab

The NHS is urging young people who are heading to university or residential colleges this September to book their ‘lifesaving’ meningitis jabs.

Following the meningococcal B disease (MenB) outbreak in Kent earlier this year – which was the fastest growing and largest ever seen in the UK – the Government announced last month that hundreds of thousands of young people across England will get protection against MenB through a one-off vaccination programme.

Meningococcal disease is life-threatening and can result in life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and brain damage, and in around 10% of cases, it is fatal. 

The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through close contact with a person who has them – for example through kissing, or sharing drinks or vapes, or having close contact with the person for long periods of time.

Appointments to get the jab can now be booked at high street pharmacies across England – with the first time slots available from next Monday (20 July).

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In total, the NHS predicts that around a million young people are eligible for the vaccine, and those who are eligible are:

  • People born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
  • People born on or after 21 July 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn
  • People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting in some residential further education colleges for the first time this autumn.

17 and 18-year-olds can already book via the NHS National Booking Service for appointments at community pharmacies, while other eligible people need to contact a participating pharmacy to book an appointment.

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Two doses of the vaccine are needed for protection at least 28 days apart, so booking now gives eligible young people enough time to have both doses before they pack their bags for university or college, and before meningitis cases typically begin to rise in the autumn.

“The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria,” explained Dr Shamez Ladhani, who is a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA.

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“Getting both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide robust protection against most Meningococcal strains, offering vital peace of mind for students and families as they take this next big step.

Featured Image – NappyStudio (via Unsplash)

JD to host exclusive Josh Baker set at massive World Cup watch party in Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Josh Baker surprise set Castlefield Bowl Manchester

JD x JB: The well-known British and Manchester-founded sports fashion brand is teaming up with local artist Josh Baker for an exclusive pop-up set at a massive World Cup screening in the city centre tonight.

The two Manchester icons are teaming up at an otherwise sold-out Castlefield Bowl, getting the matchday vibes going ahead of the England vs Argentina game this evening.

With all eyes on the semi-final, keeping nerves steady will be a tall task, but Baker will be helping play his part in getting the energy up ahead of kick-off.

No matter what happens with the scoreline, it’s set to be a proper party atmosphere beforehand.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0FDI3tp3I/?hl=en

Fresh off the plane from his White Isle residency over in Ibiza, the 30-year-old Manc musician will be taking to the stage from 6:15pm at none other than Castlefield Bowl, where nearly 9,000 people will be watching the big game.

In case you missed it, after wrapping up Sounds of the City ’26, the Bowl is now being taken over for Road to Victory’s outdoor fan zone.

Doors will be open from 5:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off, and you’ll want to get down there with plenty of time to make sure you get a good view of the action – and by that, we mean both the game and Josh’s exciting set.

Better still, not only are those at the venue in for a night of amazing music and incredible vibes, but they’ll be cheering on Thomas Tuchel’s men straight after, in a crucial clash that could see England reach a second consecutive final in the last two major tournaments.

Touch wood.

Road to Victory is turning Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl into the latest World Cup fan zone
There’ll be plenty of entertainment before, during and after the breaks.

We will, of course, be keeping our fingers crossed for you and the boys tonight; the only thing we’re certain of is that the man himself will deliver on the night.

We had the honour of chatting with JB ahead of the BRITs back in February, and he’s only looking to bigger and better things this year.

For those looking to go along for this special one-off, once again, tickets to the event are already sold out, so your only chance is to sign up for the waiting list HERE. Fingers crossed for you and a result at full-time!

Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled on the JD Sports Instagram page and their other socials for all other updates ahead of the huge night. We can feel it: it’s coming home…

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE

Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via JD Sports)

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