One life, one shot

Protecting young people against meningitis

Young people are at a higher risk of getting meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria.

A vaccine called MenACWY which protects against 4 types of meningococcal bacteria (MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY) is available to young people aged between 14 and 25 in the UK. 

All young people should check that they have received their MenACWY vaccine.  This is particularly important if you are heading off to university because the bacteria that cause disease spread more easily amongst university students and in halls of residence.

Find out more about the MenACWY vaccine

Why you need to have the MenACWY vaccine.

Lauren Sandell died in her first few weeks at uni from a deadly type of meningitis that spreads among students.

What else do students and young people need to know?

In the 2021/22 academic year there was a rise in cases of meningitis caused by a type of meningococcal bacteria known as MenB.  Meningitis caused by MenB is now the most common cause of deadly meningitis in students and is not covered by the MenACWY vaccine.

MenB vaccines are available free of charge to UK infants because they are at the highest risk.  At the moment, there are not enough cases of MenB disease in older children to justify routine vaccination of this age group on cost grounds.  Older children and adults can only get protected by purchasing MenB vaccine privately. 

Find out more about the MenB vaccine in the UK

Meningitis is deadly and rapid treatment saves lives.  So it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and get urgent help if you are worried about someone who is unwell.