Local pharmacies are playing an important role in helping protect residents as part of a vaccination programme across the city.
Councillor Kamran Caan, who has Cabinet Member responsibility for Public Health, visited Crest Pharmacy in Upper Stoke recently, who are involved in distributing vaccines - including the Men B vaccine. The work of pharmacies is helping to keep our young people safe from serious illnesses like meningitis and sepsis by distributing vaccines at a faster rate.
Who is eligible?
If you are or know a young adult who was:
• Born between the 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 (18-19 years old)
• Is under 25 starting university as an undergraduate
• Is under 25 moving into further education halls They are eligible for a course of two free MenB vaccines, both of which you need to have to be protected.
What is MenB?
Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and sepsis (blood poisoning). These conditions can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage and scars, and sadly in some cases, death. The vaccines were introduced after significant outbreaks across the country, most notably in Kent, where two people died.
The time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available for eligible young people because of the concern that more outbreaks will happen if young people aren’t protected.
Young people who were born in the time frame should have received contact by the NHS when the vaccines became available, however, those who have joined the undergraduate mix or moved into halls will need to head to the NHS website to find a pharmacy offering MenB vaccines or Book a MenB vaccination appointment.
Key Dates:
• Those eligible need to have their first vaccine by the 31 December 2026
• You have to wait for your first vaccination to be registered before you can book your second
• You can only get the second vaccine if a minimal interval of 28 days has passed
• The second dose needs to be given before the 31 March 2027
All those eligible can book appointments for both doses of the MenB vaccine online via the National Booking System or visit a participating pharmacy.
Councillor Kameron Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport said: "Our pharmacies play a vital role in providing health care to all age groups throughout the city and that's why I was so pleased to meet some of them. I'd encourage anyone eligible to get a Men B vaccine. It's easy and accessible."
"MenB can lead to a serious and life-threatening illness and lots of pharmacies, like Crest Pharmacy, are helping play their part in a co-ordinated effort to protect young people and residents. “Chemists are a key part of community-based health services, and I am really grateful for the support they provide."
Carl Rose from Crest Pharmacy said: “In Coventry, we are finding that lots of young adults are keen to book an appointment for the Meningitis B vaccine. Booking is a simple process via the NHS online booking system. Given that it is a limited NHS funded opportunity, I would urge all those eligible to make the booking to help protect themselves and others.
“The Men B vaccination service is part of an existing range of NHS clinical services available from community pharmacies. These services include a minor ailments scheme called Pharmacy First - where patients can attend pharmacies and have a consultation for conditions such as sinusitis, sore throat, ear infections and simple urinary tract infections. Alongside Pharmacy First, women can now access both emergency and ongoing contraception from most pharmacies. The scheme offers a convenient way for women to access these services.”
Be aware of the symptoms of Sepsis and Meningitis. It is important that you seek medical help urgently if you or someone you know are presenting these symptoms by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.
Remember to book your MenB vaccine.