Public health information – Meningitis

If you meet either of the following criteria you are eligible to receive the MenACWY vaccine free of charge through your GP.

• Under 25 and studying at university, or

• Missed the school-based vaccination programme (usually offered in Year 9)

All students should be registered with a local doctor’s surgery. If you are not yet registered, you can find instructions on how to do so via the Student Portal.

Meningococcal disease, which includes meningitis and septicaemia, is uncommon but can be very serious. It is caused by meningococcal bacteria, which can, in rare cases, lead to life-threatening complications such as inflammation of the brain or blood poisoning that may rapidly progress to sepsis.

Transmission of  MenB requires close and prolonged contact to spread including living in the same household and intimate contact such as kissing or sharing drinks or vapes. The bacteria are not as contagious as other infections such as measles and COVID-19. 

Because the illness can develop suddenly, early diagnosis and urgent treatment with antibiotics are essential.

Early symptoms may include (and not all symptoms will always appear):

• A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass

• Sudden high fever

• Severe or worsening headache

• Stiff neck

• Vomiting and diarrhoea

• Joint and muscle pain

• Sensitivity to bright lights

• Very cold hands and feet

• Seizures

• Confusion or delirium

• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking up

If you are worried about symptoms in yourself or someone else, contact NHS 111 immediately. Additionally, if you are diagnosed with any strain of meningitis please notify the Student Hub via email or telephone.

You can contact the Hub via or 023 8201 5200 or student.hub@solent.ac.uk