Meningitis B vaccine will be offered to students

Meningitis B vaccinations will be offered to students preparing to attend university for the first time, officials have confirmed.

Jersey's Public Health team said the programme comes after UK authorities announced targeted vaccinations after outbreaks in Kent, Berkshire and Dorset earlier this year.

It is aimed at students in Year 13 and those under 25 starting university or residential further education in the autumn.

Emma Baker, health protection senior nurse adviser, said public health had been "working closely" with UK partners and reviewing the guidance to develop an approach which was appropriate for Jersey.

Baker said Public Health's focus was on "ensuring the health and wellbeing of students", particularly those preparing to go to university for the first time.

She added there was currently no change to the current advice from the government.

The Government of Jersey said anyone who thought they had meningitis symptoms should get urgent medical advice from the emergency department - especially if they had recently had contact with the University of Kent or the Canterbury area.

It said early symptoms could be confused with a cold or the flu, such as fever and headache, adding recognising the signs early could "save lives".

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