Student Wellbeing Health services

Meningococcal infection doesn’t spread very easily. The bacteria can only be passed to others after a long period of close contact, for example living with someone in shared accommodation or through prolonged kissing. While meningococcal disease can affect all ages, recent outbreaks have shown that older children, teenagers and young adults, particularly those in shared settings such as schools, colleges and universities, are more likely to be affected.

Meningococcal disease is uncommon but can become serious very quickly, particularly in teenagers and young adults. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical assessment are essential. Know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis and how to seek medical advice. Additional information can be found on the NI Direct website.

Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• Fever (over 37.5 degrees)
• Vomitting
• Headache/stiffness
• Confusion
• Rash
• Dislike of bright lights
• Fatigue
• Seizures (fits)

Get your Men-ACWY vaccination

The Public Health Agency (PHA) recommends that all students (up to the age of 25 years) who are starting university for the first time should be vaccinated against meningitis.

This should happen at least two weeks before you start university, but you can still get the vaccine after you register.

Get more information on Men-AWCY vaccination

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and sepsis) is a rare, but life-threatening, disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. It requires urgent hospital treatment. It can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage, and scars. It can affect anyone at any age.

New university students are at higher risk of the disease than other people of the same age because many of them mix closely with lots of new people – some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their noses and throats.

The MenACWY vaccine can prevent three of the four most common forms of meningococcal disease in the UK and has been routinely offered to young people aged 13 to 15 (school Years 9 or 10) in school, and to some older teenagers by their GP practice.

Any university student born on or after 1 September 1996 who was eligible but missed their teenage MenACWY vaccine can still have the vaccine up to their 25th birthday.

Other students, including overseas and mature students, who have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine are eligible, as freshers, up to their 25th birthday.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that is spread by coughs and sneezes. It can sometimes lead to serious complications and in rare cases can be fatal. Measles can be prevented by having two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is offered to all children as a two-dose course which should be completed before they start school.

Anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine can catch measles. Call your GP practice to check if you are up to date and get the vaccine for free on the NHS.

Mumps is a viral illness that is spread by coughs, sneezes and close contact with someone who already has the infection. We saw an increase in mumps activity in 2019 with most cases in young people who had not been immunised. Mumps outbreaks are common in university settings and the best way to protect yourself is to have two doses of the MMR vaccine.

It is never too late to get the vaccine. If it’s not clear whether you’ve had both doses or not, there’s no harm in getting an extra dose.