FIRST YEAR university students in Worcestershire are being urged to make sure they are vaccinated against meningitis.

The warning comes from Public Health England (PHE) after the latest figures show less than a third (29.5 per cent) of all young people leaving school last summer had been immunised with the Men ACWY vaccine by the end of October.

PHE introduced the vaccination programme in 2015 to tackle a sharp increase in a particularly virulent strain of meningococcal W disease (Men W) that poses a high risk for new students.

It has updated its guidance to higher education institutions to help raise awareness among students of the Men ACWY vaccination plus the signs and symptoms of the disease.

In 2009/10 there were 22 cases of the meningitis strain and this rose to 210 cases in 2015/16. As cases have increased, the total number of related deaths has also risen, with one in eight people with MenW disease dying from the infection.

Caryn Thorogood, head of Student Services at the University of Worcester, said: “We strongly encourage students to take up the meningitis vaccine. We include advice in the handbook they receive before they start their course, and also as part of their induction.

“Additionally, each bedroom in university accommodation has a card, which details the symptoms to look out for, there are posters around the University and a dedicated web page on our student pages. Students can also register with the Farrier House GP and access surgeries on campus three times a week.”

PHE says new students, especially freshers, are at a higher risk of meningococcal disease. They mix closely with large numbers of new people, some of whom will unknowingly be carrying the bacteria, without any signs or symptoms, enabling it to spread.

Last autumn PHE appealed to new students to get vaccinated before starting university or, failing that, soon after arrival. Second year students who missed their vaccination last year are also eligible for immunisation.

Students are also urged to seek medical advice immediately if someone has concerning symptoms, or their condition appears to be getting worse.

Meningococcal disease can develop suddenly, usually as meningitis or septicaemia. Early symptoms include severe diarrhoea and vomiting, headaches, muscle pain, fever, and cold hands and feet. It can kill, or leave people with life-changing disabilities or health problems, like hearing loss, brain damage or the loss of a limb.

Dr Ash Banerjee, Screening and Immunisation lead with PHE West Midlands, said: “Many students will have been vaccinated before they left home for university and some will have got vaccinated by their new GP last term. However, for those who haven’t, it is not too late.

“First year students remain at significantly greater risk than most young people from this deadly disease. So I would strongly urge them to go and see their GP to get vaccinated – it could save their life.”

Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK, said: “There has been an increase in Men W cases among young people and we must do all we can to ensure students are aware of the risks. Many universities have already taken measures to address the issue, with good results.”