The new strain of meningitis that ALL students need to know about...
Ahead of the new university year, experts reveal why the MenW vaccination will save lives
YOUNG people are being urged to get vaccinated against a particular strain of meningitis as cases soar. Here is what you need to know...
WHAT IS MENW?
IT STANDS for meningococcal W meningitis, a virulent strain of the disease which has seen a steep rise in the number of cases.
In 2009 there were just 22 cases, but last year the figure had risen to 209, according to health officials.
Figures from Public Health England (PHE) also show that between 2009 and 2012, MenW caused around four deaths each year, but provisional figures for 2014/15 show 22 deaths linked to MenW.
WHAT DOES THE VACCINE PROTECT AGAINST?
THE Men ACWY vaccine was introduced in 2015.
It protects against meningococcal A,C,W and Y diseases – the illnesses can be fatal and survivors are often left with life-changing disabilities.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “Since 2009, there has been a rapid increase in cases of MenW across England, with students particularly at risk.
“Protecting young people from this potentially deadly disease as they embark upon one of the most important periods of their lives is vitally important.
“The vaccination will save lives and prevent lifelong devastating disability.”
WHO SHOULD BE VACCINATED?
A CATCH-UP programme for school children and university students aged 13-19 is in place across the UK and is planned to run until late 2017.
Our regular GP columnist, Dr Alexandra Phelan, says if children and school leavers fall into this category, they should receive an invitation for vaccination from their GP.
It is also offered to first year university students up to the age of 25, but these students may not be automatically invited by their surgeries.
Dr Phelan explains: “For many children, this vaccine may take place within school.
“However, with school leavers who are often away on summer holidays, or at college or university, it is easy to see why this might get missed or delayed.
“You should always register with a local GP near where you are studying and they can arrange the vaccine for you.
“It is best to be done at least two weeks before the first term to offer the maximum protection.”
WHO IS AT RISK?
STUDENTS heading to college or university are considered to be particularly at risk of meningitis and septicaemia because they mix with so many other students, some of whom unknowingly carry the bacteria.
Liz Brown, chief executive of the charity Meningitis Now, said: “Up to a quarter of students carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis compared to one in 10 of the general population.
“In the UK every university could experience at least one case of meningitis amongst its students within the first term.
“It’s vital that those going to uni this autumn are not complacent about the threat of meningitis – we urge them to take up this lifesaving vaccine before they go.”
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVEN’T RECEIVED AN INVITATION FOR THE VACCINE?
IF YOU have not had this vaccination or a letter inviting you to have it, and believe that you should, it is best to discuss with your GP who can review your immunisation records.
It is also available for patients who are at high risk of either contracting meningitis or who have poor immune systems with specific medical conditions. These patients will not be automatically called though, and immunisation is something that should be discussed with your doctor.
The risks of meningitis are highest in young people and particularly around the school leavers age. The catch up immunisation schedule aims to vaccinate as many patients in the high risk group as possible to reduce the rates of this devastating disease.
Currently it is not available on request for patients who are not in high risk groups.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENW TO LOOK OUT FOR?
EARLY symptoms include headache, vomiting, muscle pain, fever, and cold hands and feet.
But it often has different symptoms to other kinds of meningococcal disease, says Meningitis Research Foundation.
Rather than meningitis or septicaemia, some people with MenW infection may get septic arthritis or a severe respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia, epiglottitis or supraglottitis (in these latter two conditions there is a dangerous swelling around the “lid” that covers the windpipe, blocking the flow of air into the lungs).
Several adults with MenW septicaemia have had mainly gastrointestinal symptoms but without the characteristic non-blanching rash and progressed rapidly to death.
Vinny Smith, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, says: “If people do have meningitis it can be like a very bad hangover that quickly gets worse. It can be deadly, so act fast and get medical help.”
Protecting young people from this potentially deadly disease as they embark upon one of the most important periods of their lives is vitally important... Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England