In the two weeks since the NHS launched a one-off pharmacy meningitis B catch-up campaign, nearly 90,000 young people have received their first vaccination.
Launched on July 20, the double-dose jab programme has been delivered to 89,261 young people and the NHS National Booking Service has made 135,000 bookings for future appointments.
Thousands of pharmacies are working to administer the vaccines, which must be given “at least 28 days apart”.
Read more: Pharmacies to vaccinate students in ‘one-off’ MenB programme
Many of those who received the vaccine will start university in September, where the NHS estimates the risk of contracting meningitis B is about seven times higher than that of young people of a similar age who do not go to university.
The NHS vaccine is available for those born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008, born after July 21, 2001 and starting university for the first time this autumn or born after July 21 who are “due to start in some residential education colleges for the first time this autumn”.
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The NHS National Booking Service can be used by 17 and 18–year olds to book appointments at community pharmacies. Other eligible individuals should contact a participating pharmacy to arrange a vaccination.
“Flying start”
Head of policy at the Company Chemists’ Association Dr Nick Thayer described the figures as a “flying start” and said the efforts made by the pharmacies involved were a “testament to the sector’s ability to step up and deliver, when called upon”.
“The access community pharmacies offer is critical to ensuring high uptake and the early success of this campaign has shown the contribution they can make to vaccination programmes,” he added.
Janet Morrison said that “Community pharmacies across the country have leapt into action to deliver this brand new vaccination service”.
The Community Pharmacy England CEO said that pharmacies have a “proven track record of helping to deliver” public health programmes and that people “value the convenience and accessibility” of the pharmacy network.
Read more: ‘Only 30′ NI pharmacies to deliver new MenB vaccination programme
It comes after pharmacies faced “unprecedented” demand for meningitis vaccines following the outbreak of the disease in Kent this March.
And it follows the NHS waiving the prescription fee for those prescribed prophylactic oral Ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic given to those exposed to meningitis, following the Kent outbreak.
