Advice on meningitis and septicaemia vaccinations for university students

Young people going to college or university this autumn are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) due to the MenW bug, one of the most aggressive and deadly strains of meningitis. Cases of MenW have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 cases in 2009 to over 200 cases in the past 12 months.
There are a number of strains of the infection and the vaccination gives protection against four of them:

• MenA
• MenC
• MenW
• MenY

These illnesses can be deadly and survivors are often left with life-changing disabilities.
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

Students should be alert to the signs and symptoms and should not wait for a rash to develop before seeking medical attention urgently. Students are also encouraged to look out for their friends, particularly if they go to their room unwell.