Young people at risk of disease as concerning numbers miss out on life-saving vaccines

Young people at risk of disease as concerning numbers miss out on life-saving vaccines Data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that uptake of the adolescent vaccines offered to 13 and 14 year olds who were in school year 9 during the 2021 to 2022 academic year has fallen, leaving many young people unprotected from life-threatening diseases.

The teenage (Td/IPV) booster is the last routine dose for tetanus, diphtheria and polio, and provides young people with long-lasting protection into adulthood. The MenACWY vaccine helps protect young people against 4 types of meningococcal disease.

These rare but serious diseases can cause life-threatening illness leading to hospitalisation, permanent disability and even death. UK health Security Agency

See also:

• Teenagers at risk after drop in vaccine take-up BBC News
• Vaccine uptake among children in England has fallen since start of pandemic The Guardian
• Alarm as fewer young people protected against meningitis The Independent
• Fall in adolescent vaccines uptake puts young people at risk Pulse
• More teenagers unprotected from serious diseases as vaccine uptake falls Sky News