Barnsley CCG and Barnsley Council is supporting Public Health England’s (PHE) call to students to make sure they are up to date with both the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningitis, and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab before the start of term.

This will  ensure they’re protected against diseases that spread quickly in large gatherings including meningitis and septicaemia, and measles.

Students and their parents are encouraged to call their GP practice if they know they have not received either vaccine, or are unsure if they are up to date. It is important to catch up on vaccinations if they are needed before the start of the university term.  

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can have serious consequences. Measles can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions. Measles starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash.

The call comes after it emerged the number of European cases of measles has reached an eight-year high.

The full media release issued by PHE can be read here.