Norfolk epidemiologist says getting meningitis can 'substantially' affect a student's education
1 in 9 young people in the East have missed their vaccines, according to the UK Health Security Agency
An epidemiologist in Norfolk is telling us that a meningitis outbreak can 'substantially' affect a student's education.
1 in 9 young people in the East have missed their vaccines against these infections, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
"Can leave people with substantial problems"
Professor Paul Hunter works at the University of East Anglia.
He was previously a consultant specialising in infectious disease - and says it's something everyone needs to take seriously:
"This is a dreadful disease and can leave people with substantial problems, like deafness or something more severe. It can also leave people with other problems like gangrene and they can also lose hands or feet.
"When I was doing this full-time, I would have to go into school or University. Here we would visit kids, give out anti-biotics, investigate them if necessary. It disrupts their education substantially- even if they are not affected by the infection."
"People have been focussed on Covid over the last few years"
He told us why these numbers are so low:
"People have been focussed on Covid over the last few years.
"So, schools have been closed at times and vaccination programmes haven't been as effective as they could have been- they haven't been able to reach as many children as normal.
"While a number of kids haven't taken the time to catch up on their lost vaccine.
"Also over the Covid years, there has been a lot of mixed messaging over vaccinations and perhaps some people haven't come for them because of some of the false news, surrounding it."
What jabs do students be up to date with?
• MenACWY – protecting against 4 common strains causing meningitis and septicaemia
• MMR – protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella
• HPV – protecting against human papilloma virus (HPV) related cancers such as cervical cancer and other cancers of the head, neck and genital areas, and genital warts
"The vaccine should be top of your list of urgent things to do"
Dr Sultan Salimee, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at UKHSA East of England, said:
“Every year we see new and returning students get seriously ill, with some tragically dying, from what are preventable diseases.
“With large numbers of students coming together from around the country and overseas for the first time, and closely mixing, infection can spread easily.
“Ensuring you are protected against these deadly bugs is vital. If you’ve missed out on your Meningitis (MenACWY), HPV or MMR jabs then contacting your GP for the vaccine should be top of your list of urgent things to do before starting college or university.”
"Please don’t think it can’t be you"
Lauren Sandell tragically passed away in her first year at university after contracting MenW disease.
Sharon Sandell, Lauren's mother said:
“Lauren was feeling unwell one Thursday evening during her first year in university. She thought it was due to stress from settling into university. She returned home on Saturday evening saying that her legs hurt, and that she wasn’t feeling 100% alright. Then Sunday morning she got sick and was visibly shaking.
“We totally thought it was a panic attack and not at any point did I think her life was in danger. I will always be thankful that she was at home with me when she died but the experience of witnessing it will stay with me forever.
“Such a tragic unnecessary end to a life of a beautiful girl who had so much life to live. If she had the vaccine, she would still be here today celebrating her 25th year of life. Up to
10% of young people in her age group have the bacteria naturally at the back of their throat. Please don’t think it can’t be you. Get the MenACWY jab today.”
"It remains important to be aware of the signs and symptoms"
Claire Wright, Head of Insights and Policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said:
"Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and in the early stages is difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or more common milder illnesses. By taking up the free MenACWY vaccine, students are not only protecting themselves but also protecting others by stopping the bacteria from being passed on
“For young people who have already been vaccinated it remains important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most common cause of life-threatening meningitis amongst this age group."
What should I do if I haven't got my jab?
The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to those in school years 9 and 10 but anyone who has missed out can still get a free jab with their GP until their 25th birthday.
The vaccine provides high protection against four common strains that cause meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY – but does not protect against all strains, like MenB, which is often common among students. So it’s important to know the signs and symptoms as it could help save your own or a friend’s life.
Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly. Symptoms include a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck. The MenW strain can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea in teenagers and young adults.
Urgent antibiotic treatment and hospitalisation is critical. If you have concerns for yourself or a friend don’t hesitate to seek urgent medical help.
"We’re calling on everyone to take advantage of the MenACWY vaccination"
Meningitis Now Chief Executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said:
“We know vaccination is the best way to protect against the devastation that meningitis can cause. Over many years the NHS’s vaccination programme has resulted in a steady drop in the number of cases of the disease, with countless lives saved as a result.
“But more needs to be done. We estimate that up to half a million young people currently aged between 18 to 24 years old may have missed their MenACWY vaccine at school. In addition, we are growing increasingly concerned about the recent rise in meningitis cases across the UK. While the number of cases is still below those recorded pre-pandemic, any increase in the disease is worrying.
“As part of the ‘Tackle Meningitis’ campaign we’re calling on everyone to take advantage of the MenACWY vaccination when it is offered, and please do check your vaccine status with your GP.
“And with no vaccine available to protect against all types of meningitis, we’re also urging everyone to learn the signs and symptoms and to seek urgent medical attention if meningitis is suspected.”