3 August 2015
The MenACWY vaccine is to be introduced for 14-18 year olds:
- From 1st August for 16-18 year olds who have left school
- From 1st January 2016 for pupils S4 to S6 still in school
- From Autumn 2016 all pupils in S3
There has been a rise in the number of cases across the UK of meningitis W, and based on advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation, the MenACWY vaccine has been introduced to replace the MenC vaccine used in the adolescents and freshers vaccination programmes.
The vaccine will be offered to students under the age of 25 attending university for the first time this Autumn, along with a catch-up programme for all 14 to 18 year olds.
Those planning to go to university are urged to make an appointment at least two weeks before they go or, failing that, during freshers’ week the sooner the better for a chance to provide the protection needed.
From this week, older teenagers will start receiving an invitation letter and information leaflet, asking those who have left school to get the vaccine at their GP practice as soon as possible.
Young people returning to school in August will receive their vaccine in school during the coming academic year.
Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health for NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council, said: MenACWY (meningococcal group A, C, W, Y bacteria) can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Meningitis and septicaemia are both very serious as they can cause permanent disability and death. The symptoms can come on quickly so treatment must be sought straight away.
“Adolescents aged between 14 and 18 are more likely to carry meningococcal bacteria than any other age group and offering the ACWY vaccine to all of them should stop the bacteria from being passed on.
Find out more about the MenACWY vaccine programme by visiting at www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/menacwy or calling NHS inform helpline on 0800 22 44 88.