Get your meningitis jab!
By
Halls Life
Posted 4 years ago
Tue 10 Sep, 2019 12:09 PM
Protect against meningitis
A campaign protecting students across the country against a dangerous strain of meningitis, MenW is urging new students to get vaccinated after a rapid growth in the infection.
If you are coming to university in September then we encourage you to contact your GP and make an appointment to get vaccinated. Coming to university means you will be coming in contact with lots of new people so it’s important to get the vaccination before leaving for university.
For more information about the vaccine visit the NHS website.
Meningitis – know the facts
- Meningitis is an infection of the meninges - the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
- Meningococcal bacteria are common and carried harmlessly in the nose or throat by about one in 10 people
- They are passed on through close contact
Symptoms include:
- Fever, cold hands and feet
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drowsiness, difficult to wake up
- Irritability and/or confusion
- Dislike of bright lights
- Severe headache or muscle pains
- Pale, blotchy skin with or without a rash
- Convulsions/seizures
- Stiff neck.
GPs across the UK are inviting 17 and 18-year-olds to come for a vaccine and first-time students under 25 are eligible too so make an appointment and get protected!