University of Wolverhampton students who have not yet had their MenB vaccine will have the opportunity to get protected against meningitis on campus this Freshers’ Week.
The NHS Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull Integrated Care Board cluster is working with community pharmacy partners, public health and the University of Wolverhampton to make it easier for eligible students to get their MenB vaccination as they start university.
MenB vaccination pop-up clinics will be available at:
- 14–18 September: University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton campus
- 16–17 September: University of Wolverhampton, Walsall campus
The on-campus offer means students can get vaccinated as part of their Freshers’ Week experience if they have not already done so and be uni ready without needing to travel to another healthcare setting.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse, Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull ICB cluster, said: “Starting university is an exciting time, with lots to think about – from packing your bags and moving into halls to meeting new friends and getting ready for Freshers’ Week.
“We want students to add the MenB vaccine to that checklist. MenB can cause serious illness very quickly, and vaccination is an important way of protecting yourself.
“We’re bringing vaccination clinics onto campus to make it as easy and convenient as possible for eligible students who are not yet protected. If you’re heading to the University of Wolverhampton this autumn, look out for the MenB clinics during Freshers’ Week and take the opportunity to get vaccinated.”
Dr Clare Dickens, Director of Student Life and University Designated Safeguarding Lead, Wolverhampton University, said: “We want every student arriving at the University of Wolverhampton to feel welcomed, supported and safe from the very beginning of their university journey.
“Freshers’ Week is an exciting time, but it is also an important opportunity for us to help students think about their health and wellbeing. Bringing the MenB vaccination directly onto our campuses makes it as straightforward as possible for eligible students to protect themselves while they are settling into university life.
“This has been a real partnership effort between the University, the NHS, public health and community pharmacy colleagues, and I’m delighted that together we have been able to make this offer available to our students. I would strongly encourage eligible students who have not yet received their MenB vaccination to take advantage of the clinics while they are on campus.”
The vaccination clinics at Wolverhampton will take place on the same day that the city welcomes a powerful charity challenge being held in memory of 18-year-old Aaron Mills, who tragically died from meningitis earlier this year.
On Wednesday 16 September, family friend Shaun McEntee will arrive at the University of Wolverhampton as part of a five-day, 100-mile charity run organised by Aaron’s father, Anthony Mills.
Shaun will complete the first leg of the challenge from Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster, arriving at the University on Wednesday.
The challenge aims to raise awareness of meningitis and support Meningitis Now.
Staff and students encouraged to come along and give Shaun a warm welcome as he reaches Wolverhampton University between 3-4pm.
The arrival will provide a poignant opportunity for the university community to remember Aaron and help raise awareness of meningitis, its potentially devastating consequences and the importance of vaccination.
Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required, with the second dose due at least 28 days after the first. Students receiving their first dose during Freshers’ Week will also be able to get their second dose on campus.
Students heading to university are urged to book their vaccine as soon as possible through the online NHS National Booking Service, or by calling 119 or finding a local participating pharmacy.
Anyone unsure whether they are eligible should speak to their GP practice or a participating community pharmacy.
