Concern over school and university starters as immunity levels fall below WHO's recommendations

 
 
LML General Health Blood Test Kit
LML General Health Blood Test Kit
Sept. 26, 2024 - PRLog -- A leading testing expert fears a perfect storm of infections now students have returned to schools and colleges. His warning comes as the UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says falling vaccination levels means England no longer has the levels of population immunity recommended by the World Health Organization to prevent disease outbreaks.

Leading testing expert, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: 'As many young people start university or school, Britain's falling vaccination uptake levels are causing concern. Over the past 10 years, uptake for childhood vaccinations in England has been falling across all vaccines, including those that protect against whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, meningitis and diphtheria. Many children and young adults are entering school or university for the first time without having had essential inoculations.

'It's timely that a new vaccination reminder campaign is now being delivered by UKHSA. However, we are already seeing the impact of the fall in vaccinations. Since autumn 2023, there have been a number of major measles outbreaks in the West Midlands, the North West and London, resulting in the highest number of cases in England since 2012.

Ideally, children should receive one dose offered at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years 4 months. If that hasn't happened, parents should get their children inoculated as soon as possible.

'Equally vital is the MenACWY vaccine. This protects against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria – A, C, W and Y – that cause meningitis and bloodstream infections (septicaemia). Many students who were aged around 15 in 2021 may have missed these key jabs because of Covid school closures. This age group is now starting university.

'It's particularly concerning, as cases of so-called "freshers' flu" (usually caused by assorted bugs that spread quickly through the student population in the first weeks of term) can be confused with symptoms of meningitis in its early stages.

'For anyone concerned, a general health test will provide reassurance that they are in good overall health. This can help fight new viruses and boost overall fitness levels. The healthier a person is, the better their response to a serious condition can be.

'London Medical Laboratory's General Health Profile blood test provides people with a comprehensive check-up of their general health, including diabetes (HbA1c), gout, liver & kidney function, bone health, iron levels and a full cholesterol profile. It can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/general-health

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