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Lily McGarry joins last push for university students to get Meningitis B vaccine

Islanders preparing to head to University this month are being urged not to miss out on getting a meningitis B vaccine.

A nationwide rollout following a fatal outbreak of the disease in the UK has immunised 450 young people so far in Jersey, with 300 fully protected - having had both doses.

Emma Baker, Senior Nurse Advisor for Jersey Public Health, says meningitis it can be fatal:

"It is very serious and can have a devastating impact. It's really important to come forward (to be immunised) because vaccination is the only way of preventing meningitis. 

"Students are at an increased risk as they travel to university because they are often living and socialising in close contact with large numbers of new people.

Lily McGarry is also joining the calls for islanders to get vaccinated.

She lost all her limbs earlier this year, after suddenly contracting the disease and becoming seriously ill with septic shock.

"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."

She says her recovery journey is ongoing:

"Now I'm on leg prosthetics; it's going really well, but a lot of people told me it would be hard, and whilst I listened to them, I think I underestimated how hard it was going to be; I'm pretty exhausted most of the time.

First- and second-dose appointments are still available.

The second jab can be given in the UK.

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