A leading testing expert fears a perfect storm of infections now students have returned to schools and colleges.
His warning comes as the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says falling vaccination levels means England no longer has the levels of population immunity recommended by the World Health Organization to prevent disease outbreaks.
Leading testing expert, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, said, ‘As many young people start university or school, Britain’s falling vaccination uptake levels are causing concern.
Over the past 10 years, uptake for childhood vaccinations in England has been falling across all vaccines, including those that protect against whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, meningitis and diphtheria.
‘A combination of the impact of – unfounded – historical MMR vaccination scares, Covid lockdowns on school inoculation schedules and a fall in pre-school vaccinations has created a concerning situation. Many children and young adults are entering school or university for the first time without having had essential inoculations.
‘It’s timely that a new campaign is now being delivered by UKHSA, in partnership with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England. It will remind parents and carers of the risk of their children missing out on protection against serious diseases, including measles, whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria and polio.
‘However, we are already seeing the impact of the fall in vaccinations. Since autumn 2023, there have been a number of major measles outbreaks in the West Midlands, the North West and London, resulting in the highest number of cases in England since 2012.
‘Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles. If unvaccinated, children are at risk of serious illness, potentially leading to hospitalisation, lifelong complications and even death in rare cases. Ideally, children should receive one dose offered 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 campaign’s urgent message is: “If children aren’t vaccinated, they’re not protected.” This went live as the new school term began, in an attempt to prevent a rise in measles cases similar to that of last October.
‘Equally vital is the MenACWY vaccine. This protects against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria – A, C, W and Y – that cause meningitis and bloodstream infections (septicaemia). It’s 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 because of Covid school closures. This age group is now starting university. The latest MenACWY coverage data shows the vaccination rate has now fallen to 79.6%.
‘It’s particularly concerning, as cases of so-called “freshers’ flu” (usually caused by assorted bugs that spread quickly through the student population in the first weeks of term) 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.
‘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.”
‘For anyone concerned, a general health test will provide reassurance that they are in good overall health. This can help 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 provides people with a comprehensive check-up of their general health, including diabetes (HbA1c), gout, liver & kidney function, bone health, iron levels and a full cholesterol profile. It 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.’
