Renewed calls for students to be vaccinated

A leading UK meningitis charity has renewed calls for all students to receive a life-saving vaccine.

Meningitis Now, which is holding a student information week from today to Sunday October 30, has again highlighted the need to protect young people with the MenACWY vaccination in light of the outbreak at St Andrews University.

The vaccine is routinely available to teenagers, with students advised to get themselves immunised as cases of the WenW strain rose year on year from 23 in 2009 to 119 in 2014.

Liz Brown, the chief executive at Meningitis Now, added: “We were very concerned to hear about these two young people in St Andrews.

“We are here to support their families and anyone who has been affected and commend the university’s proactive approach in raising awareness among the student community.”

For support and information call the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 8010388.