Students urged to seek out vaccine to cut the risk of taking home meningitis for Christmas

CASES OF meningitis and septicaemia are expected to rise over the winter period, with first-year university students one of the groups at highest risk, a charity has warned.

Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) said students are some of those most likely to carry the meningococcal bacteria, and even if they do not become ill themselves they can carry the bacteria home from university during the holidays and spread it to other family members.

The foundation is urging any unvaccinated first-year university students to get their free MenACWY vaccine so they do not bring meningitis home for Christmas.

Christmas is the peak season for meningitis, thought to be due to the bacteria being able to invade the body more easily via the nose and throat at this time of year due to co-infection with the flu virus, and because the bacteria can spread more rapidly when people spend more time indoors in close proximity with one another. While babies and young children are most at risk of meningitis and septicaemia, teenagers and young adults are the next most in danger.

The meningococcal bacteria that can cause deadly meningitis and septicaemia are most commonly found living harmlessly in the nose and throats of teenagers and young adults.

The vast majority of people who come into contact with the bacteria do not become unwell or develop any symptoms, but occasionally the bacteria invade the body and cause serious illness.

MRF chief executive Vinny Smith said: “Sadly we see even more families affected by meningitis and septicaemia during winter.

“Christmas should be a happy occasion for families but it’s the peak season for the disease. Over the festive period it’s more important than ever for families to be vigilant and know the symptoms.

“With the threat to university students peaking in December, any unvaccinated first-year students should get their free MenACWY vaccine urgently to protect themselves from four types of meningitis and septicaemia – Men A, C, W and Y.

“This will not only protect them but will also help protect their family and friends by stopping the bacteria from spreading.”