§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the meningitis risk to young people entering universities; and if he will make a statement. [170818]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe risk of meningitis in young people entering higher education has reduced substantially since the introduction of the MenC vaccine. The number of cases of meningitis C per year in all age groups has declined by over 90 per cent., since the vaccine was introduced.
Meningitis B still presents a risk, as there is no vaccine available to protect against this disease. In order to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, the Department distributes the 'Look out for your mate' leaflet which is targeted specifically at the student age group.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what immunisation advice he has given to young people due to enter higher education this year in respect of meningitis. [170821]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonUnited Kingdom students entering higher education should have received MenC vaccine as part of the vaccination campaign. We 173W recommend that every effort should be made to ensure that all individuals are immunised even if they are older than the recommended age range, and that no opportunity should be missed.