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Know a new student? It’s not too late for their meningococcal C vaccine

17 Dec 2014

First year university students urged to come forward

First year university students are being urged to come forward for a vaccine to protect them against meningococcal C infection.

The call follows recent reports of cases of meningococcal disease among the student population.

All UK children are offered Meningococcal C (Men C) vaccine to protect against MenC infection but, as the protection offered by the vaccine in pre-school children can wane, a booster for teenagers at school was introduced and also offered to students from August this year.

University Senior Occupational Adviser  Liz Aniteye said: “Meningococcal C disease is a rare but life-threatening infection that occurs mainly in children and young adults. Students mixing with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria, are at risk of infection.

“The holiday season is an ideal time to remind those students who have not had the vaccine to get it before they return for the new term.

“It’s not too late for students who didn’t receive the vaccine before starting university. Anyone in their first year of university who hasn’t had the booster should arrange to get it as soon as possible, via their university or college health centre or from their family GP. If in doubt, there is no harm in having an extra dose.”

There are other forms of meningitis that are not so easily prevented. So it’s vital students know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and that they look out for one another, seeking medical help fast if they have concerns.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease and septicaemia can include:

  • severe headache, light sensitivity
  • neck stiffness
  • fever, aching
  • cold hands and feet/ shivering
  • pale, blotchy skin with or without a rash. It may appear anywhere on the body as tiny red ‘pin pricks’ which can develop into purple bruising, and does not fade under pressure. Do the glass test.

Anyone experiencing some of these symptoms should go to their GP or medical centre, or attend an NHS Walk-in centre or the hospital Accident and Emergency Department.