Meningitis

Off to uni this year? Don’t miss out on your vaccine.

All 17 and 18 year olds and those starting university this year are being offered the MenACWY vaccine to protect against meningitis and septicaemia. 

Older teenagers and university students are in a high risk group of infection, so it’s important that you get the vaccine.

If you’re planning to go to uni this year, you should try to get the vaccine before you leave or in your first term at uni.

The MenACWY vaccination programme is in response to a sharp increase in cases of a particularly aggressive strain of meningitis – meningococcal W.

If you’re at school or college, look out for the vaccination team at your school and make sure you don’t miss out. If you do miss your vaccination for any reason, you can always contact your GP to book yourself in.

If you’re 17-24 you are entitled to the vaccine and should contact your GP to arrange.

Even if you've already had the MenC vaccine, you still need the MenACWY vaccine to protect yourself from all types of meningitis and septicaemia. 

If you're unsure about whether you've had it or not, ask your parents or your GP as it will be on your medical file.

For more information:

• Visit the NHS website
• Check out the NHS leaflet on meningitis