Uptake among students of the meningitis B vaccine is described as 'extremely positive', with more than 260 first doses administered.
Meningitis B, if left unchecked, can be fatal, as was evidenced by the outbreak in Kent in the spring of 2026 when two students died.
The bacteria that carries the disease is dormant in the upper respiratory tract of healthy people and it does not usually cause problems.
However, it can be spread through close contact between people, and teenagers or those in their early twenties are seen as especially vulnerable.
It is when it enters the bloodstream that it can quickly develop into a serious illness and symptoms include a sudden fever, a headache or stiff neck, confusion and sensitivity to light.
Alex Hawkins-Drew says Guernsey's Public Health team, following national guidance, is offering the two jabs against Meningitis B to students entering university or higher education:
"We are pleased to say that the uptake for the programme has been extremely positive and to date, 264 first doses and 234 second doses of the vaccine have been administered.
“We will continue to offer the programme as per the national guidance, with first doses available up to 31 December 2026.
"Students are encouraged to take up the free offer as soon as possible to provide them with the best protection against Meningitis B before they attend university for the first time."
Jersey student Lily McGarry has joined the push for young people to get immunised.
She lost all her limbs earlier this year, after suddenly contracting the disease and becoming seriously ill with septic shock whilst studying in Cardiff.
"You're mixing with larger groups for the first time, doing new activities; you're probably going to be balancing a lot of things, meeting new people, and you might get run down as I did myself.
"Please try not to think that you're invincible. I was really sporty and enjoyed going out with friends. I would have classed myself as a healthy person, but the disease absolutely took over.
"It's so vital that you are protected."
The contact for anyone who feels they need the jab is 01481 01481 222011.
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