A MASSIVE vaccination campaign to protect all those aged under 18 against meningitis starts today in Southampton and South West Hampshire.

It is part of the largest immunisation programme ever undertaken in the UK, providing a total of 15 million jabs before the end of the year 2000.

Youngsters at secondary schools and sixth form colleges will be the first to receive the vaccine, as the 15-17 year age group has the highest risk of dying from the deadly brain bug.

It is hoped the programme will be completed before the end of the autumn term. Babies are the other high risk group to be included in the early stages of the vaccination programme.

Dr Mike Barker, consultant in communicable disease control, said parents should wait until their child is called for vaccination.

He added: "Because this is a new vaccine, stocks could not be built up in advance.

"We'll be giving it to youngsters as fast as we can get the supplies - that's why we're targeting people more at risk first."

Meningitis is rare but is still the biggest single infectious disease killer among young people. It takes several forms, the commonest caused by meningitis B and C bacteria.

Dr Barker said: "The new vaccine will protect against Group C meningitis and septicaemia, but there is no vaccine for Group B meninigitis.

"That means it's still important to still keep an eye out for any signs and symptoms of the disease such as fever, stiff neck, severe headache, dislike for bright lights and a rash which does not fade under pressure."

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