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A town in Greater Manchester has been named Britain’s best place to live in 2020
The Manc -
26th March 2020
The Manc -
26th March 2020 News
Young people urged to book ‘lifesaving’ meningitis jabs this summer before heading to university
Emily Sergeant
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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We're launching a one-off MenB vaccination programme ahead of the next academic year to protect young people from a life-threatening disease.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 12, 2026
This will help reduce the risk of serious illness and larger outbreaks. Two doses are needed for full protection.
More:… pic.twitter.com/XhuCA9cw42
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.
Read more:
- People heading to university to be offered MenB vaccine following Kent outbreak
- NHS rolls out five-minute ‘super jab’ to treat 15 different types of cancer
- The NHS found to be in a ‘critical condition’ following an independent investigation
“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)
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Seven Manchester green spaces have been named some of the best in the UK
Emily Sergeant
A handful of green spaces in Manchester have once again been handed coveted awards and named among the best in the UK.
It may be on your radar that for several years running now, parks and cemeteries in Greater Manchester have deservingly been recipients of the prestigious Green Flag Award – which is an internationally-recognised honour given annually to the parks and cemeteries that have ‘attained a high standard of green space’.
And 2026 seems to be absolutely no different, with the region coming out on top once again.
Green Flag Awards are granted by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy each year to recognise accessible green spaces that set ‘an international benchmark for management’.
Every site recognised through the scheme is assessed by experienced judges who judge the parks using eight criteria.
The criteria includes environmental management, biodiversity, landscape and heritage, community involvement, marketing and communication, and management to make sure it’s a safe and secure place for visitors of all ages.
2026 has been one of Manchester’s most successful years, as Manchester City Council has revealed this week that Blackley, Gorton, Philips Park, Manchester General, and the Southern cemeteries have all been given the Green Flag Award, as well as both Alexandra Park and Heaton Park retaining the important title too.
The awards shed light on the range of groups, volunteers, and staff who devote themselves year-round to the maintenance and upkeep of these areas.
“Come rain or shine our colleagues are out in our parks and cemeteries every day of the year, putting their time and effort into making them the internationally recognised locations they are,” commented Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council.
“I’m deeply proud of their efforts and I want to dedicate the seven Green Flags we have been awarded to them.
Read more:
- Transformational plans set to be approved for ‘major’ new Manchester city centre park
- Castlefield Viaduct ‘sky park’ receives £2.75m funding towards major extension
- First look at Heaton Hall’s ‘glittering’ restoration as it prepares to reopen to public
“It’s no overstatement to say none of this would be possible without them.”
Featured Image – Stephen Taylor (via Geograph / Wikimedia Commons)
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