The Perfect Storm of Infections: A Leading Expert’s Warning
As the new school term begins, a leading testing expert has warned of a perfect storm of infections, with the UK’s falling vaccination levels creating a concerning situation. Dr. Avinash Hari Narayanan, Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, highlights the urgent need for parents and carers to ensure their children are protected against serious diseases.
Falling Vaccination Levels: A Growing Concern
Over the past 10 years, vaccination uptake in England has been declining across all vaccines, including those that protect against whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, meningitis, and diphtheria. A combination of historical MMR vaccination scares, Covid-19 lockdowns, and a fall in pre-school vaccinations has created a concerning situation, with many children and young adults entering school or university for the first time without having had essential inoculations.
The Impact of Falling Vaccination Levels
The UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that England no longer has the levels of population immunity recommended by the World Health Organization to prevent disease outbreaks. Since autumn 2023, there have been a number of major measles outbreaks in the West Midlands, North West, and London, resulting in the highest number of cases in England since 2012.
The Importance of Vaccination
Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles. If unvaccinated, children are at risk of serious illness, potentially leading to hospitalization, lifelong complications, and even death in rare cases. Ideally, children should receive one dose at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years 4 months. If that hasn’t happened, parents should get their children inoculated as soon as possible.
The MenACWY Vaccine: A Vital Protection
Equally vital is the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. This vaccine is normally offered to all pupils aged 13 to 15 years old alongside the "teenage booster" jab, which is given to increase protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. However, many students who were aged around 15 in 2021 may have missed these key jabs due to Covid-19 school closures. This age group is now starting university, and the latest MenACWY coverage data shows the vaccination rate has fallen to 79.6%.
Freshers’ Flu and Meningitis: A Confusing Scenario
Cases of so-called "freshers’ flu" can be confused with symptoms of meningitis in its early stages. Like freshers’ flu, meningitis is initially difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or common, milder illnesses. This can also be the case with the early stages of measles or mumps.
Getting Tested: A General Health Profile
For students and parents concerned about the potential increase in meningitis cases, it’s important to note that anyone who was eligible but missed their teenage MenACWY vaccine can still have the jab up to their 25th birthday. The Government’s advice is: "If you are older and starting university for the first time, make sure you have had your vaccine before you enrol."
A general health test can provide reassurance that individuals are in good overall health, helping to fight new viruses and boost overall fitness levels. The healthier a person is, the better their response to a serious condition can be.
London Medical Laboratory’s General Health Profile Blood Test
London Medical Laboratory’s General Health Profile blood test provides a comprehensive check-up of general health, including diabetes (HbA1c), gout, liver & kidney function, bone health, iron levels, and a full cholesterol profile. This test can be taken at home through the post or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores.
FAQs
Q: What is the importance of vaccination?
A: Vaccination is crucial in protecting against serious diseases, including measles, whooping cough, meningitis, and diphtheria.
Q: What is the impact of falling vaccination levels?
A: Falling vaccination levels lead to a decrease in population immunity, making it easier for diseases to spread and causing outbreaks.
Q: What is the MenACWY vaccine, and why is it important?
A: The MenACWY vaccine protects against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. It is essential for individuals to receive this vaccine to prevent serious illness.
Q: Can I still get the MenACWY vaccine if I missed it as a teenager?
A: Yes, anyone who was eligible but missed their teenage MenACWY vaccine can still have the jab up to their 25th birthday.
Q: What is the best way to stay healthy during the new school term?
A: A general health test can provide reassurance that individuals are in good overall health, helping to fight new viruses and boost overall fitness levels.
