Students urged to get vaccinated against meningitis

The government is calling on young people starting university or college this autumn to make sure they get vaccinated against meningitis.

Public Health England has issued a reminder to students underlining the importance of the Men ACWY vaccine, which was first introduced for new university students in the UK last year.

This injection offers protection against a number of strains of the disease, including meningitis W, a sometimes fatal form that has grown in prevalence in recent times. Whereas only 22 people got meningitis W in 2009 in England, this has risen to almost 200 in the last 12 months.

New students are particularly at risk of contracting this disease, as they often mix closely with large groups of unfamiliar people, some of whom may be carrying the disease without knowing it.

Dr Mary Ramsay of Public Health England said: "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."

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