HYWEL Dda University Health Board is urging parents and carers to check their children’s vaccinations are up to date, following the recently declared meningitis outbreak in the UK.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said:

“Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect children and young people from serious illness.

“Ensuring your child is fully vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also helps prevent the spread of infections within our communities.

“I strongly encourage all parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination status and if you are concerned that your child has missed their routine vaccinations, speak to your GP.”

Meningococcal disease is a serious, life-threatening infection that can lead to meningitis or septicaemia. While most people recover, a significant number are left with long-‑term physical, neurological or psychological complications. Sadly, around 1 in 10 cases can be fatal.

The disease can affect anyone, but babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are at the highest risk.

In Wales, vaccines that protect against several types of meningococcal bacteria, including types A, B C, W & Y, are offered as part of the routine NHS immunisation programme for infants (Meningococcal type B) and teenagers (Meningococcal types ACW&Y).

The Health Board’s most recent coverage report shows encouraging progress but also highlights areas where continued action is needed. Uptake of the MenACWY vaccine among young people reaching their 16th birthday is currently just 76.4 per cent, meaning that many of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion’s next school leavers remain unprotected.

For younger children, uptake of the MenB vaccine is at higher levels, albeit still not reaching the recommended 95 per cent, with 92.8 per cent of infants vaccinated by their first birthday, and 91.8 per cent by their second birthday. These figures do reflect the commitment of families and primary care teams, and parents across the area are encouraged to maintain this momentum by checking that all doses have been received on schedule.

Hywel Dda’s advice to families in the light of the threat posed by meningococcal disease is as follows:

• Check your child’s vaccination record by contacting your GP or calling the Health Board on 0300 303 8322 (option 1), emailing [email protected] or by completing a form accessed online at https://forms.office.com/e/wWLTziGQNk .

• Contact your GP if any doses may have been missed.

• Ensure your baby receives their MenB vaccinations – you can find out when these are offered on the vaccination road map above.

• Ensure your teenager receives their MenACWY and 3in1 boosters – this programme is currently being delivered in schools by Hywel Dda’s School Nursing team. For dates and locations of school immunisations, visit the health board’s dedicated webpage, https://hduhb.nhs.wales/school-immunisations .

• Stay alert to symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and seek urgent medical advice if concerned. More information on signs and symptoms is available on the NHS 111 Wales website.