MHRA Reminds University Students to Check Men B Vaccine Status

• University students are urged to check their vaccination status, particularly for the Men B vaccine, before starting freshers' week.
• The Men B vaccine requires two doses and is the best protection against contracting Meningitis B, a serious infection that can have long-term impacts on health.
• Students should also check their asthma inhalers are in date and take them as prescribed to stay healthy during freshers' week.
• Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) can save lives in the event of anaphylaxis and students with allergies may have been prescribed one.

The best protection against contracting Meningitis B is the Men B vaccine, which requires two doses.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding university students to check their vaccination status, particularly for the Men B vaccine, as they prepare to start freshers' week. With many students set to move into university halls or shared accommodation, there is a heightened risk of contracting Meningitis B, a serious infection that can have long-term impacts on health and be potentially life-threatening. The best protection against contracting Meningitis B is the Men B vaccine, which requires two doses. Students are advised to check their eligibility for the vaccine and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The MHRA's priority is patient safety, and they approve, test, and monitor all vaccines used in the UK. This includes testing every single batch of vaccine to ensure it meets high safety standards. The agency remains alert to any potential safety concerns and relies on public reporting through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Students can be confident that approved vaccines are safe and effective, and they should report any suspected side effects to the agency.

As students prepare for freshers' week, it's essential they prioritize their health. In addition to getting vaccinated against Meningitis B, students should also check their asthma inhalers are in date and take them as prescribed. This includes using preventer inhalers daily and reliever inhalers when symptoms arise. Students with allergies may have been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI), which can save lives in the event of anaphylaxis. It's crucial that students understand how to use these devices and have them readily available.

Lawyers advising clients on university-related matters should note the importance of ensuring students are up to date with their vaccinations, particularly the Men B vaccine, and have the necessary medicines and medical devices to stay well during freshers' week.

Source: Original reporting via GOV.UK