Free NHS meningitis B jab for students

Young people preparing to head off to university or move into student accommodation are being urged to accept free meningitis B (MenB) vaccinations.

North East Lincolnshire Council's Public Health officials are reminding Year 13 students, and anyone under 25 starting higher or residential further education, that they may be eligible for the MenB vaccine.

MenB is a bacterial infection that can cause serious, life-threatening illness including inflammation of the lining of the brain and blood poisoning (sepsis).

However, officials said two doses of the MenB vaccine can significantly reduce risk.

In March, an outbreak of meningitis in Kent resulted in two deaths.

The MenB vaccination service started on Monday and runs until 31 December.

Anyone who is eligible can obtain their vaccination via a walk-in service provided by local pharmacies.

Further information about the vaccination programme can be found here.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices