Vaccine for deadly Meningitis strain offered through schools by NHS Lothian
Vaccinations against a potentially fatal strain of meningitis are being offered through schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians for the first time.
Vaccinations against a potentially fatal strain of meningitis are being offered through schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians for the first time.
"Meningitis W" is still quite rare, but cases of it UK wide have steadily been rising in recent years.
1 in 10 people who have contracted it have died, but many patients who've survived it have been left with a permanent disability.
Possible consequences include loss of hearing, loss of sight, brain damage and behavioural and emotional problems.
14 to 18 year olds are particularly susceptible to the strain - and now NHS Lothian is running vaccination workshops for kids of that age through schools in the region.
Many pupils will already have their consent forms, and the health board is urging them to return them, and have the vaccine.
If anyone has lost their form, they're being advised to contact their school nurse who'll be able to give them a new one.
Pupils who've missed the vaccination session at their school will be able to get the injection at extra regional sessions that'll be held when the school workshops are complete.
Dates and locations for these have yet to be organised.
For further information on the vaccine, or Meningitis W, visit here: