20.3.26
In a statement, the Primary Care Body said: “Meningitis B vaccine stocks for babies are in good supply. Families should ensure their children are up to date with all their vaccines.
“There are no meningitis B vaccines available privately at the moment for older children.”
The statement continued that the body is expected to be updated on the state of Jersey’s supplies on Saturday.
There are two different meningitis vaccines: MenACWY, which is offered to teenagers and to those starting university and protects against four of the most common types of bacteria that cause meningitis: A, C, W, and Y.
The MenB vaccine, which protects against another one of the most common strands, has been part of the regular vaccination schedule for infants since 2015 but was not routinely given prior to that.
Public health authorities have said the MenB vaccine is less efficient for older children, teenagers and adults – but the UK-based charity Meningitis Now has called for the MenB vaccine “to be made more widely available to those at risk, especially teenagers and young adults”.
Meanwhile, Public Health Jersey has called for young people to check they have had “all routinely recommended vaccinations, including all meningitis vaccines”.
They added that the MenACWY shot is available for free until the age of 25, and that MenB “is most likely to affect babies and very small children”.
It added: “MenB vaccination is part of the baby and pre-school routine vaccination schedule and was introduced in 2015. Extensive reviews of the efficiency of the MenB vaccine by the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation show that vaccination reduces the disease in infants, however, it does not stop the spread of the bacteria among teenagers.
“At present, there is no recommendation from Public Health Jersey for MenB vaccination outside of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. A limited supply of MenB vaccination may be available from Primary Care and can be issued if after a consultation it is deemed appropriate.”
Yesterday, Public Health director Professor Peter Bradley said that the risk to Islanders “remains very low” and noted that Jersey “continues to have good vaccination rates among children and young people”.
18.3.26 MENINGITIS INFO
Please remind students and young adults to check that they are up to date with all routine recommended vaccines including their meningitis vaccinations. In Jersey, the MenACWY vaccine is available free of charge up to the age of 25. This vaccine protects against several important strains of meningococcal disease and is recommended for teenagers and young adults, including those attending university.
Men B is a different vaccine that most pt should have had as a child. However it is has a short protection in humans and if they are going to university we can repeat it. They will have to pay privately for it - £132 per vaccine and x 3 vaccines at 0 /8 weeks and then 6 months .
Anyone unsure about their vaccination status can contact the Immunisation Team on 01534 443741
Awareness of symptoms of meningitis -
Meningitis can initially resemble flu or a hangover. Symptoms may include:
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
a high temperature
vomiting
headache
rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
stiff neck
a dislike of bright lights
drowsiness or unresponsiveness
seizures (fits)
These symptoms can appear in any order, and patient do not always get all the symptoms.
If someone is concerned about possible meningitis symptoms, they should seek urgent medical advice
30.6.25
Cervical Screening interval change update for 25–49-year-olds
From July participants who are 25-49 will be offered a more personalised approach to cervical screening. Please note the algorithm for 50–64-year-olds remains unchanged.
Low Risk
• If there is no HPV found in the sample, and no HPV in the previous samples within the last 5 years, the participants will be categorised as low risk and will be recalled in 5 years. It typically takes 10-15 years for cancer to develop after an HPV infection. Therefore, a five year cervical screening interval for those who are HPV negative is safe.
• If the participant is in the 25–49-year-old age group and is found to be HPV negative on screening but were seen to be HPV positive cytology negative in the last 5 years they will be recalled after 3 years. Please note in the 50-64 year age group these participants recall will remain unchanged at 5 years
Medium risk
• If a participant has HPV in the sample with no cytology changes, they will be tested every 12 months. The body usually clears the HPV infection within 36 months. If abnormal cells are found, or if the HPV infection is still present after 3 tests, they will be referred for a colposcopy to take a closer look at the cervix
High Risk
• If HPV is found in the sample and there are cervical cell changes on cytology the participant be referred directly to colposcopy clinic.