Particularly important before starting University is your Meningitis C immunisation

Meningitis C or Group C meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterium which can lead to meningitis and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning). It is carried in the throat of around one in ten adults – although they do not show signs of the disease. It is transmitted by droplets in the air, so can be caught when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is more common in winter.

Children under one, 15 to 17 year olds and young people in their first year at college or university are at greatest risk of catching it.

The meningitis C vaccine has been offered in the U.K. to all under 18 years old since 1999. The vaccine has proved extremely effective in reducing the incidence of the disease in those immunised. However although Group C disease has declined dramatically in the age groups targeted for vaccination, cases of group C disease have continued to increase in other age groups. This is especially true in 19-24 year olds, where the risk of meningitis C in those not immunised is more than twice as high as in the rest of the adult population.

One dose of vaccine is all that is needed to give long lasting protection. The vaccine has been shown to be both safe and effective.

So get immunised!

Make an appointment to see your doctor or practice nurse. We strongly recommend you have the immunisation before starting university as it takes a few weeks to become fully effective. However, for those who have not yet received it, Meningitis C immunisation will be available at Student Medical Registration.

This vaccine is currently only available in the UK. Most UK students under 20 years old will have been already been offered the Men.C vaccine. If you have already had the Men. C vaccine either at school or when you started university you will not need it again.

Overseas students, or those traveling may have received a combined Meningitis A and C vaccine. If you have received this AC vaccine you need to wait 3 years before having the new Men. C immunisation.

Important

Although Men. C vaccine has been extremely successful, it is important to remember that it cannot prevent all forms of meningitis and septicaemia. Even before Men. C vaccine was available, Group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia was generally the most common kind, accounting for up to 60% of cases. Group B disease has been rising steadily since the mid 1990s, and no vaccine is yet available to protect against it. There are many other equally deadly forms of meningitis and septicaemia that are not vaccine-preventable. For this reason, it is still crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. See meningitis info.

For downloadable copies of the UK government leaflet on meningitis C immunisation click here

Also note:
People with no spleen, or with a disease or condition that stops their spleen from functioning properly are at high risk of serious bacterial infection. For anyone of any age with no functioning spleen, immunisation with Men. C is now recommended.

Are there any other immunisations I need to consider?

In the UK all young people are offered a BCG at aged approx. 14, and diptheria, tetanus and polio booster at aged 16. These are usually given at school. It is a good idea to check that you have also had these immunisations.

For further information

For more information on vaccines and immunisation schedules check out the NHS immunisation website.