Meningitis

Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together. Make sure you are aware of all the signs and symptoms.

Vaccines

If you are under 25 and in higher education for the first time, it is recommended that you are vaccinated against Menigitis B (MenB) and Meningitis ACWY.

Men B vaccination

Who is eligible?

If you fit in the below categories, you are eligible for the Men B vaccination: 

  • Born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 and in Year 13 for the 2025/26 academic year
  • Under 25 and attending university for the first time in autumn 2026

This includes international students, with additional advice below.

International student guidance

International students  

If you are an international student and fit into one of the above groups, we recommend that you are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MenB vaccination before travelling to the UK. 

If you have already travelled to the UK and have not been vaccinated, you can receive the vaccine at community pharmacies in the UK. 

How to get the vaccine

If you meet the criteria above, you can book your vaccination online now at the NHS website.

Men ACWY vaccination 

The Men ACWY vaccination is recommended for all teenagers and usually given at school when you're 13/14 years old. 

If you missed having the vaccine when you were at school, UK and international students can get it up to the age of 25 years by contacting your GP

Meningitis signs and symptoms | Meningitis Now

Meningitis signs and symptoms | Meningitis Now

Contact

In an emergency, don't wait.

  • Dial 999 for an ambulance
  • Go to nearest hospital - Accident and Emergency (A and E).

Meningitis and students

Teenagers and young people are the second most at risk group for contracting meningitis and septicaemia. First-year university students are at particular risk. Find out more about who is at risk and why.

Ashleigh's meningitis story

Ashleigh's meningitis story

Meningitis Now

Meningitis Now is a registered charity. Their vision is a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives.

You can call their helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or send them an email.

Fight for now is a microsite aimed at 16-25 year olds, run by Meningitis Now.