Students heading to university in September are being urged to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
Before the start of the new term, students should check they are up to date with Men ACWY (meningitis), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and, for female students, HPV.
Students can be at increased risk of diseases due to mixing with large numbers of people from around the country and overseas.
The call to ensure students are vaccinated comes from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and meningitis charities.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:"We know that colleges and universities can be hotspots for the spread of diseases such as meningitis and measles.
"At the top of any list of essential things to get for college should be any missed vaccines – it could save your life. If unsure check with your GP to make sure that you are up to date with the MenACWY, MMR and HPV vaccinations before term starts.
"And all students need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Don’t assume it’s just a hangover or freshers’ flu. If you’re poorly make sure a friend knows and stay in touch regularly with friends who are ill. These diseases can progress rapidly so urgent action in getting medical attention is critical – call NHS 111 straight away."
Those unsure of their vaccination status can check with the GP.
The diseases of concern include Meningitis and Septicaemia. Symptoms include a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck. The MenW strain can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea in teenagers and young adults.
Measles is highly infectious and can often be more severe in teenagers and young adults, and lead to hospital admissions. It starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes, followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash.
Claire Wright, Head of Evidence and Policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and is difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or more common milder illnesses in the early stages.
"By taking up the free MenACWY vaccine, school leavers are not only protecting themselves but also protecting others by stopping the bacteria from being passed on.
"For those who have already been vaccinated it remains important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most common cause of life-threatening meningitis amongst this age group."
Meningitis Now chief executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said: "It’s vital that young people take up the opportunity to get vaccinated against MenACWY while at school. In addition, very few young people will have been vaccinated against MenB, which is the strain that causes the most cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.
"Although many young people will have been vaccinated against MenACWY at school, our estimates show that up to half a million under-25s may have missed this important vaccination. If that’s you, contact your GP and see if you can get up to date with your vaccinations. This is particularly important if you are going on to higher education and university halls of residence. You can find out more information about the signs and symptoms of meningitis at meningitisnow.org."
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