06/08/2015
School Leavers Urged To Get Meningococcal Vaccine
School leavers and first-time university students have been advised to get the new meningococcal vaccine, which helps protect against four different causes of meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) – meningococcal A, C, W and Y diseases.
GP practices will be inviting people born between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 1997 to have the Men ACWY vaccine. First-time university students up to the age of 25 will also be offered the jab.
Vaccination programme
Symptoms to look out for include:
• fever, cold hands and feet
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• drowsiness, difficult to wake up
• irritability and/ or confusion
• dislike of bright lights
• severe headache or muscle pains
• pale, blotchy skin with or without a rash
• convulsions/ seizures
• stiff neck
Both diseases are very serious and, especially if not diagnosed early, they can kill.
The early symptoms of meningococcal disease are similar to those of flu, so you need to be able to recognise the symptoms very quickly even if you have been vaccinated, as the vaccines offered through the routine immunisation programme do not protect against all forms of the disease.
(MH)
GP practices will be inviting people born between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 1997 to have the Men ACWY vaccine. First-time university students up to the age of 25 will also be offered the jab.
Vaccination programme
Symptoms to look out for include:
• fever, cold hands and feet
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• drowsiness, difficult to wake up
• irritability and/ or confusion
• dislike of bright lights
• severe headache or muscle pains
• pale, blotchy skin with or without a rash
• convulsions/ seizures
• stiff neck
Both diseases are very serious and, especially if not diagnosed early, they can kill.
The early symptoms of meningococcal disease are similar to those of flu, so you need to be able to recognise the symptoms very quickly even if you have been vaccinated, as the vaccines offered through the routine immunisation programme do not protect against all forms of the disease.
(MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
22 November 2024
Sydenham Bypass Reopening Early
Planned resurfacing works on the Sydenham bypass this weekend will not go ahead with the road being fully opened from Saturday, 23 November.
Sydenham Bypass Reopening Early
Planned resurfacing works on the Sydenham bypass this weekend will not go ahead with the road being fully opened from Saturday, 23 November.
30 August 2017
Belfast Scientists Develop Faster Test For Meningitis
Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast have established a new test which can help identify potential cases of meningitis earlier than expected. Meningococcal disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose as initial symptoms mimic those of common colds.
Belfast Scientists Develop Faster Test For Meningitis
Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast have established a new test which can help identify potential cases of meningitis earlier than expected. Meningococcal disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose as initial symptoms mimic those of common colds.
21 November 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
03 August 2015
Students Urged To Get Meningococcal Vaccine
School leavers and first-time university students are being urged to get the new meningococcal vaccine which is available from today, 03 August. The Public Health Agency said everyone born between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 1997, and first time university students up to the age of 25, will be offered the Men ACWY vaccine.
Students Urged To Get Meningococcal Vaccine
School leavers and first-time university students are being urged to get the new meningococcal vaccine which is available from today, 03 August. The Public Health Agency said everyone born between 2 July 1996 and 1 July 1997, and first time university students up to the age of 25, will be offered the Men ACWY vaccine.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.