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Public Health England (PHE) is advising young adults heading to university or college this September to make sure they are vaccinated against meningitis and sepsis (also called septicaemia).

The government says that young people should be vaccinated to protect them from MenW – one of the most aggressive and deadly strains of meningitis.

Cases of MenW have been increasing every year recently – rising from 22 cases in 2009 to more than 200 cases in the last 12 months.

There are a number of strains of the infection and the vaccination gives protection against four of them – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY – which can prove fatal or leave survivors with life changing disabilities.
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The government says all young adults should be vaccinated, whether they are going into further education or not. PHE is also advising anyone up to the age of 25 who is starting university to be vaccinated by their GP.

However, GPs will be writing to all 17- and 18-year-olds in school year 13 (those born from 1 September 1997 to 31 August 1998), to encourage them to get vaccinated at their GP surgery as soon as possible.

PHE also says that 19-year-olds who missed vaccination last year –
anyone born from 1 September 1996 to 31 August 1997 – can also be vaccinated by their GP.

The MenACWY vaccination programme was introduced in 2015, 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.

PHE says that students should be alert to the signs and symptoms – and should not wait for a rash to develop before seeking medical attention urgently.

The vaccine not only protects those who are vaccinated, but also helps control the spread of the disease among the wider population. This is the second year the vaccine is being offered to this age group.

Head of Immunisation at PHE, Dr Mary Ramsay, said:

“Since 2009, there has been a rapid increase in cases of MenW across England, with students particularly at risk.

“Protecting young people from this potentially deadly disease as they embark upon one of the most important periods of their lives is vitally important – the vaccination will save lives and prevent lifelong devastating disability.”

Meningitis Now chief executive, Liz Brown, added:

“Up to one-quarter of students carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis, compared to one in ten of the general population.

“In the UK, every university could experience at least one case of meningitis among its students within the first term.

“It’s vital that those going to uni this autumn are not complacent about the threat of meningitis – we urge them to take up this lifesaving vaccine before they go.”

Vinny Smith – chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation – also said:

“By getting this free meningitis vaccine from your GP, you’re not only protecting yourself from a potentially deadly disease, but also protecting others by stopping the spread.

“It’s also vital to watch out for your friends if they’re unwell – if people do have meningitis, it can be like a very bad hangover that quickly gets worse. It can be deadly, so act fast and get medical help.”

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