The #StoptheSpread initiative is being run by the Meningitis Research Foundation and is targeting meningitis and septicaemia caused by groups A, C W and Y meningococcal bacteria (MenACWY).
Since August last year, adolescents born between September 1, 1996, and August 31, 2002 – now aged 13 to 19 – are being offered a MenACWY vaccine, which in particular protects against a new deadly strain of meningococcal W (MenW).
Cases of MenW have risen year-on-year in England and Wales since 2009, with figures from Public Health England showing 184 cases reported between July 2014 and June 2015 – compared to 98 the previous year.
Furthermore, the Meningitis Research Foundation estimates that there are around 3,200 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK. They are easily mistaken for milder illnesses, but can kill within hours and may cause serious, life-long disabilities. As many as one in 10 of those affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects.
Students born on or after September 1, 1999, should receive their vaccinations via the school nursing system or other local arrangements by summer 2017.
Chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, Vinny Smith, said: “We launched #StoptheSpread to encourage all teenagers at secondary school and those going to university for the first time to make sure they are protected against this deadly strain of meningitis and septicaemia. We have been working with secondary schools and universities to ensure they know how vital it is to get this vaccination.
“Adolescents are more likely to carry meningococcal bacteria than any other age group and offering MenACWY vaccine to this age group will stop the bacteria from being passed on to the wider population. This means that even unvaccinated people will be protected from catching the disease – an effect known as herd protection.”
The Meningitis Research Foundation has published web pages offering more information for schools, including a free helpline. Call 080 8800 3344 or visit www.meningitis.org/stop-the-spread and www.meningitis.org/menw