Meningitis vaccine alert for Shropshire students

Public Health England has encouraged all 17 and 18-year-olds and anyone under 25 starting university to get vaccinated against group W meningococcal disease (Men W).

Nationally, less than a fifth have been vaccinated against the strain, which kills one in every 10 who contract it.

Harper Adams University near Newport today said it will provide a special clinic if a large number of new students have not had the jab.

Rebecca Hayhurst, student services manager, said: "We wrote to all new students last week, with a reminder to have the vaccination before arrival.

"We register all students individually on arrival, so they'll all be asked then if they have had the vaccine.

"If it's only a small number who haven't already received the vaccination we will organise for them to have individual appointments to have it.

"If it is a larger number, we will work with the surgery to have a clinic ran."

By the end of August, just 17 per cent of all 18-year-olds leaving school - including those planning to go to university - had been vaccinated.

Last year, 35 per cent had been vaccinated by Christmas.

Students are at increased risk of meningitis because they mix closely with large groups of new people, some of whom may be carrying the meningitis bug.

Wolverhampton University, which has a large campus in Telford, today said it would be making its students aware of the importance of the jab.

And University Centre Shrewsbury head of student support Russell Millhouse said: "We will be encouraging all students to enrol with a local GP and providing information via our student support service during Welcome Week and beyond."

Children aged 14, who are in school year nine, are also being vaccinated against Men W. They are receiving the same jab given to students, which also protects against other meningitis strains.

Doctor Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: "We've introduced this vaccine because of a rapid increase in cases of Men W across England, with new students particularly at risk.

"This vaccination is highly effective and can save lives and prevent devastating, lifelong disability.

"It's only a month since we first made our appeal to these teenagers, so we know many will still be making arrangements to get vaccinated.

"But I strongly urge those who haven't done so to get their injection now. If you're not registered with a GP yet at university, get registered and get your jab."

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms develop suddenly and can include a high temperature, being sick, a headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright lights.

Linda Glennie, head of research at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "In the first few days of university, exposure to the bacteria that cause meningitis increases dramatically.

"It is vital that new students get this vaccine now to protect themselves and to stop the spread to others."