Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is a rare but life-threatening disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. 

Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection 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 nose and throat.

"Fresher" students going to university for the first time should make sure they've had the MenACWY vaccine to prevent meningitis and septicaemia, which can be deadly. 

The MenACWY vaccine is usually given to children at age 13 or 14 (school year 9).

If you missed getting the vaccine when you were at school, you can still get it up to age 25.

For more information, visit the MenACWY vaccine overview page on the NHS website.

Request a vaccination appointment here.