What is meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious infection affecting the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can develop very quickly and, in some cases, lead to sepsis, permanent disability or death if not treated promptly.
Prevention: check your vaccinations
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against meningitis.
The NHS currently offers free vaccinations for two meningitis strains: MenACWY and MenB.
MenACWY
Students under 25 may be eligible for the free NHS MenACWY vaccine, which helps protect against four strains of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
Teenagers are usually given the MenACWY vaccine at school when they're 13 or 14 years old (school year 9). If you missed having the vaccine when you were at school, you can still get it up until the age of 25.
You can find out more and check your eligibility on the NHS website.
MenB
Some young adults aged 17 to 25, including many students starting university for the first time, are now also eligible for a free MenB vaccine through the NHS.
The MenB strain was responsible for recent outbreaks, prompting the introduction of this new vaccination programme this year.
You need two doses of the MenB vaccine, at least 28 days apart, to protect yourself. Most students will have already received their first dose before arriving on campus.
If you have not received your first dose of the MenB vaccine, you can still book an appointment through the NHS booking service.
Vaccination clinics on campus
Health and Safety Services will be running MenB vaccination clinics on our campuses throughout October, making it easier for eligible students to get protected.
You can register your interest for the vaccination clinics at Greenwich and Avery Hill using this form. You will then receive the available slots to book your vaccination via email once the timings have been confirmed.
The registration form for our Medway vaccination clinics will be shared shortly in a separate article.
The clinics are offering second doses to those students who have already received their first dose before arriving on campus, and the first dose to those students who have not received any MenB vaccinations.
If you are receiving your first dose at a campus clinic, you can arrange your second dose at a local pharmacy. You cannot receive both doses at our campus clinics.
If you're unsure whether you've had these vaccines, check your vaccination record or contact your GP practice.
More information and support
You can find information and support about meningitis at the Health and Safety Services stand at our GSU Welcome Fairs.
Meningitis Now will also be attending the Welcome Fair at Greenwich on 18 September. Their volunteers will be on hand to raise awareness about meningitis, explain the symptoms to look out for, and share advice on when to seek help.
Why are students at risk?
The bacteria that can cause meningitis can spread through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing food or drinks. Living in halls or shared accommodation can increase the risk of transmission.
Know the symptoms
Seek urgent medical advice if you or someone else develops symptoms such as:
- Fever and/or vomiting
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Limb, joint or muscle pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale, blotchy or mottled skin, or a rash
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Confusion, unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Seizures (fits)
Symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone will experience all of them.
When to get help
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference. If you're concerned about yourself or a friend, get medical advice straight away:
- Call NHS 111 if you're worried about symptoms
- Call 999 immediately if someone is seriously unwell or getting worse quickly
Find out more
Before the new academic year begins, check that you're up to date with your vaccinations and familiarise yourself with the symptoms of meningitis:
