A new interactive quiz has been launched after a poll of 2,000 Brits revealed 55 per cent of us are unsure what diseases and conditions we are immunised against.
Despite a national vaccination programme that aims to protect all young people against a particularly deadly type of meningitis – meningococcal W meningitis and septicaemia (MenW), 76 per cent of 18-25 year olds surveyed were unaware of the disease.
And only 22 per cent of people surveyed by OnePoll.com know that teenagers are the age group most likely to carry and spread the meningococcal (meningitis causing) bacteria.
Vinny Smith, Chief Executive at the Meningitis Research Foundation, who commissioned the study, said: “Meningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that can strike without warning.
“Although babies are the most at risk, anyone can be affected at any age.
“Vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis and septicaemia and we’d like to see more people aware of the vaccinations available.
“We encourage everyone to take up the offer of the vaccines included in the immunisation schedule.”
To see if you can spot the common symptoms of meningitis, take the quiz below:
