TEENAGERS in Barnsley are being urged to get a vaccine to protect against a deadly meningitis strain.
Michael Dugher MP has backed calls by the charity Meningitis Now to encourage young people to protect themselves from meningococcal (group W) meningitis.
Following an increase of 809 per cent in cases in the past five years, a vaccination programme is now being offered to young people who are particularly at risk from the meningococcal bacteria which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
For people aged between 14 and 15, the Men ACWY vaccine is being provided by school vaccination drives, but those aged 17 and 18 can receive it from their GP through special catch up programmes.
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
