You may be seeing/hearing publicity about the need for new Uni students to get a meningitis vaccination before they start Uni - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33736761
It has *always* been advisable for new students to get a meningitis vaccination.They are just pushing it now as there hasn't been a big number of cases in recent years and people get complacent and stop bothering. Same goes for measles and mumps vaccinations. Go see your doctor and get this done *now* - don't wait for Results Day.
Meningitis caused by Men W is on the rise in the UK. All teenagers, sixth formers and students are now being encouraged to get the Men ACWY vaccination which protects against four causes of Meningitis.
I would highly recommend getting a meningitis vaccine.
Meningitis can kill you REALLY quickly, even if you don't have any underlying health problems. Not long after the start of this academic year a fresher at my university was fit and well enough to go on a night out. By the following evening he was dead, killed by meningitis.
It's really not worth the risk of not having a meningitis vaccine.
Trust me, you don't want meningitis. I had it when I was 2 - took less than 24 hours for me to be hospitalised. I was on life support for five days and I'm lucky to have not lost any limbs. My body is covered in scars from it. The scars don't bother me because I know how lucky I was - please don't take the risk. If you're offered the vaccine, take it. I had my boosters a couple of months ago
Is there actually any way to get this vaccine if I don't meet the requirements? I am returning back to full time education in September, but I will be 19 not 18.
Is there actually any way to get this vaccine if I don't meet the requirements? I am returning back to full time education in September, but I will be 19 not 18.
Just curious (as a 33 year old starting uni this September)... does anyone know why you are only eligible for the vaccine if you are a new student under 25? Are over 25s less susceptible?
[QUOTE="lauren1981;58129425"]Just curious (as a 33 year old starting uni this September)... does anyone know why you are only eligible for the vaccine if you are a new student under 25? Are over 25s less susceptible?[/QUOTE
Probably to do with cost - you can pay privately for your GP to give you the flu and meningitis jab though.
And yes, older than 25 are less vulnerable. Its partly physiological (built up immunity) and also lifestyle (over 25s are less likely to live in Halls/close contact).