Massey University keen for more student jabs

Massey University medical authorities are calling for more students to be vaccinated against meningococcal B after a student was diagnosed with meningitis.

The first-year student is reported to be recovering well in his North Island home.

Massey medical centre director Mark Morris said a recent outbreak of meningococcal cases showed how important it was for young people living in close quarters to be vaccinated.

A 5-year-old from Raetihi is understood to have been flown to Wanganui hospital with suspected meningitis and a 17-year-old Horowhenua girl was reportedly recovering from meningitis in Palmerston North Hospital.

So far, 58 per cent of Massey's under-20 student body at Palmerston North have had the free immunisation injections.

"We would be much happier with 90, 95 per cent," Dr Morris said.

"Young people living in halls, their close lifestyles sharing water bottles, drinks, cigarettes, kissing ... it all supports the spread of disease."

- NZPA