Starting university?Protect yourself against meningitis C

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If you’re under 25 and intending to start university this year you should have the vaccination against meningococcal group C disease (MenC) before you go.

This leaflet tells you all about MenC disease and why you should get the vaccine.

MenC disease is a rare but life threatening infectious disease that occurs mainly in young children and older adolescents. Your risk is increased if you are attending university for the first time.

You should have had a vaccination against MenC as a young child but protection falls over time. Since September 2013 young people have been offered a booster dose of MenC at around 14 years of age. Until that programme has been in place for several years those planning to go to university may not have been offered protection against MenC since early childhood.

Published May 2014

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What is MenC disease?

Meningococcal group C bacteria can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These can be fatal. The early symptoms of MenC disease are very similar to those of flu, so you need to be able to tell them apart quickly.

MenC vaccine does not offer protection against all causes of meningitis and septicaemia, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

You are more at risk of getting meningitis in the first few weeks after starting university – get protected before you go.

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Fever, cold hands & feet

Drowsy,difficult to wake

Vomiting

Confusion &irritability

Severemuscle pain

Severeheadache

Dislikebright lights

Stiff neck

Pale, blotchyskin.

Spots/rash

Convulsions/seizures

Signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia Teenagers and Adults

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The glass test

Press the side of a glass firmly against the rash so you can see if it fades under pressure.

If it doesn’t fade get medical help immediately. If you are feeling very ill get help anyway, even if the rash fades or doesn’t appear at all.

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Remember – symptoms do not appear in order and some may not appear at all. If you are in doubt seek medical help immediately.

Why do I need to have the vaccine?

The risk of MenC disease is increased in the first weeks of starting university for the first time so it is important you make sure you are protected before you go. This is the result of mixing closely with lots of new people some of whom may unknowingly carry the bacteria which causes MenC disease. MenC can spread quickly in areas where people live in close contact with each other, such as university halls of residence or shared accommodation. Those returning to university are not at increased risk.

How do I get the vaccination?

You should get the vaccine as soon as you’ve accepted your UCAS* offer in the spring. Just call your GP surgery and say you need to have the MenC vaccination because you’re starting university for the first time. You need to be vaccinated at least two weeks before you start university to give the vaccine time to work, so don’t

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leave it too late. During the appointment check that your MMR immunisations are up to date.

* Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

What if I don’t have the vaccination before I go?

You should have the vaccination before you go. If you don’t get it then go to a GP at university but do that straight away.

Will everyone need a vaccination now?

Anyone who has been vaccinated against MenC since the age of ten doesn’t need another dose. If you are unsure check with your GP surgery. If in doubt, there is no harm in having an extra dose.

Are there any other reasons why I should not receive the MenC vaccine?

You should not have the vaccine if you have had a life threatening reaction to either a previous dose of MenC vaccine or any ingredient of the vaccine. If you have any other medical conditions or allergies, speak to the person offering you the vaccine.

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Are there any side effects?

You may have a little soreness in your upper arm where you had the injection but this should disappear within a day or two. Some people may have a headache, muscle ache or drowsiness but other reactions are very rare.

How can I find out more?

There is more information about meningitis and the vaccination on the following websites.

NHS Direct Wales www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/m/article/ meningitis/ Helpline 0845 46 47Meningitis Now www.meningitisnow.org 24-hour helpline

0808 80 10 388Meningitis Research Foundation www.meningitis.org/ Free helpline 080 8800 3344

Laura’s story: Meningitis – know the signs www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQVJmGPnDCc#t=51

You can also ask your GP, practice nurse, university health centre or NHS Direct Wales.

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Print ISBN 978 1 4734 1372 6Digital ISBN 978 1 4734 1370 2© Crown copyright 2014 WG21569

Printed on recycled paper

Meningitis is serious – Get the MenC vaccine and be aware of the signs.

Copies of this leaflet are available by e-mailing: hplibrary@wales.nhs.uk or telephoning 0845 606 4050This leaflet is available to download from the Welsh Government immunisation website at www.wales.gov.uk/immunisation

This leaflet is produced by:

Public Health Division Welsh Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Tel: 0300 060 3300