A reminder has been issued to all higher education and university students to ensure they are up to date with their free NHS vaccines against meningitis, measles, and HPV.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West has said that universities can be hotspots for the spread of infections due to close mixing and confined environments.

They are particularly concerned about the spread of COVID-19, flu, measles, mumps, and meningococcal disease.

Dr Alasdair Wood, a consultant in health protection for UKHSA South West, said: "We usually see increases in cases of meningococcal meningitis after the university term starts in September.

"New and returning students from around the country and overseas coming together and mixing means infection spreads easily, with some students becoming seriously ill and tragically in some cases, we see deaths.

"I urge young people starting or returning to university to check they’re up to date on their MenACWY, HPV, and MMR jabs and to contact their GP if unsure."

Students are urged to check their vaccination status for the MenACWY, MMR, and HPV vaccines.

The MenACWY vaccine protects against four common types of meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis and septicaemia.

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, while the HPV vaccine protects against cancers related to the human papillomavirus.

UKHSA has also provided information on the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, which may include:

  • A high temperature
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Breathing quickly
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
  • Spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
  • Headache
  • A stiff neck
  • A dislike of bright lights
  • Being very sleepy or difficult to wake
  • Fits (seizures)

Students who have not had their vaccines are advised to arrange this with their GP practice as soon as possible - or as soon as they start university.