PARENTS in Somerset are being urged to encourage their 18-year-old children to get vaccinated against deadly meningitis and septicaemia.
The MenACWY jab protects against four strains of meningococcal disease which causes meningitis and septicaemia, known as strains A, C, W and Y.
MenW is one of the most aggressive and life threatening forms and meningococcal disease can be fatal, with many survivors left with life-changing disabilities, including brain damage and loss of limbs.
Julie Yates, South West screening and immunisations lead, said: “The MenACWY vaccination programme will save lives and prevent lifelong and devastating disability.
“We have seen a rapid increase in Men W cases across England in recent years and vaccination is the most effective way of protecting against infection.
“Young people are particularly at risk as they are carriers of the disease.
"Being in confined environments with close contact, such university halls, hostels when travelling, or attending festivals, increase the chances of infection if unprotected.”
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