The Oxford Vaccine Group are inviting students in school year 12 to take part in a research project to understand whether immunising teenagers with vaccines against ‘Meningitis B’ could protect them and the rest of the community against these potentially deadly bacteria. This is a national study involving 24 000 year 12 students across the United Kingdom. Teenagers at participating schools are being asked to take part by local research teams involved.
Meningitis is caused by an infection around the surface of the brain. It is rare but can be life-threatening and mostly affects babies, young children and adolescents. An important cause of meningitis is a type of bacteria (or germs) called meningococcus.
What is the ‘Be on the TEAM’ study?
- This study will see if immunising teenagers with MenB vaccines reduces the carriage of meningococcus in teenager’s throats, which could in turn protect the broader community
- Teenagers who take part will receive 2 doses of a Meningitis B vaccine
- These are licensed vaccines that teenagers would not otherwise receive, and will reduce their risk of meningitis
- Participants would have two throat swabs taken 1 year apart
- There would be three study visits, over 12 to 18 months
- All visits would be held within participating schools
Which schools are taking part?
The schools listed below are participating within the Thames Valley
- Cheney School, Oxford
- The Grange School, Aylesbury
- Kennet School, Thatcham
- King Alfred’s Academy, Wantage
- Matthew Arnold School, Oxford
- Our Lady’s School, Abingdon
- Queen Anne’s School, Caversham
- Tudor Hall School, Banbury
- Park House School, Newbury
- Radley College, Abingdon
- Magdalen College School, Oxford
- St Bartholomew's School, Newbury
- Oxford High School, Oxford
- Headington School, Oxford
Where can I find out more information?
The Oxford Vaccine Group study information booklets contain more information (Information booklet)
If you would like any further information regarding the study please contact the study team on:
Email: mencarriage@ovg.ox.ac.uk
Tel: 01865611400
Many thanks,
The MenB Carriage Team
Oxford Vaccine Group