Meningitis in students - Information and advice

Why is meningitis more common in students?

Meningitis can affect anyone at any time, but teenagers and young people are more likely to carry the bacteria that causes meningitis in the back of their throats – up to 1 in 4 people in the age group carry meningitis-causing bacteria, compared with 1 in 10 in the general population. This combined with young people coming together from all over the country, often in cramped living conditions and away from home for the first time, makes first year university students particularly at risk for meningitis.

Spotting the signs and symptoms of meningitis in students

So, it’s vital that young people know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis in teenagers and young adults. If someone is ill and getting worse at uni, sound the alarm by calling their GP or NHS 111 straight away. The temptation might be to think they have Covid-19, a hangover, freshers flu or a stomach bug. But it could be meningitis. Meningitis is a medical emergency, so it's vital to act fast and seek urgent medical assistance.

Meningitis vaccine for students

The only way to prevent meningitis, including at university, is through vaccination. So it’s vital to make sure you’ve had your meningitis jab before going to university. The MenACWY vaccine is free for eligible young people, but it doesn’t protect against all forms of meningitis.

MenACWY vaccine for students

Most young people in the UK should have had the MenACWY vaccine at school in Year 9 or 10. It protects against four types of meningitis – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. However, you may have missed this vaccine – you can check whether you’ve it by contacting your GP or checking the NHS app. Students who have missed the vaccine remain eligible up to the age of 25.

MenB vaccine for students

The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against all types of meningitis. MenB is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. But the NHS only offers babies and those with specific underlying medical conditions the MenB vaccine. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs and symptoms and when to sound the alarm if you suspect meningitis. The MenB vaccine is available privately. Our No Plan B for Men B campaign is calling for the MenB vaccine to be offered more widely to protect teenagers and young people.

What to do if someone is ill at university

If someone at university is ill, keep checking on them. If they are getting worse, it could be meningitis. Meningitis is a medical emergency. Sound the alarm by calling 111 or your GP. You could save a life.

Free university awareness resources