Cheshire East Council is strongly encouraging all 18-year-olds to ensure they have the meningitis W vaccine (Men ACWY) being offered by GPs as part of a national campaign to prevent them from contracting this potentially fatal disease.
Young people preparing to go to university are particularly vulnerable to this illness and the vaccination programme has already had a dramatic impact in protecting young people and reducing the number of cases.
The meningitis W strain of the disease is fatal in one in 10 people that contract the bug. Deafness and epilepsy can also be caused.
Teenagers are also advised to check with their GPs whether they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, at the same time as having the vaccine for meningitis W.
Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for communities and health, said: "With many 18-year-olds receiving their results from further education now, it is very important that this age group ensure they are vaccinated properly.
"It isn't just those moving on to universities who are likely to be at risk of infections. Instances of people catching measles have increased recently through activities such as attending music festivals."
Photo: Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for communities and health.
