There are a number of strains of the infection and the vaccination gives protection against four of them:
- MenA
- MenC
- MenW
- MenY
Young people going on to university or college are particularly at risk of meningitis and septicaemia because they mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria. But anyone in this age group is strongly advised to get the vaccination – whether starting college or not.
GPs will be writing to all 17 and 18 year olds (school year 13, born from 1 September 1997 to 31 August 1998) to encourage them to get vaccinated at their surgery as soon as possible. 19-year-olds who missed getting vaccinated last year (anyone born from 1 September 1996 to 31 August 1997) can also be vaccinated by their GP.
PHE is also advising anyone aged up to 25 who is starting university to get vaccinated by their GP.
Ideally young people should get vaccinated before term starts – to ensure immunity. But anyone can still get the jab from their new GP in their college town.
The MenACWY vaccination programme was introduced last year in response to a large increase in infections caused by a highly aggressive strain of group W meningococcal bacteria (Men W).
The disease can develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Early symptoms include:
- headache
- vomiting
- muscle pain
- fever, and cold hands and feet
