Students starting university this autumn are being encouraged to protect themselves against one of the main causes of meningitis and septicaemia, with free meningitis B (MenB) vaccinations being offered at special walk-in clinics during freshers’ events.
The NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) vaccination team will visit the University of East Anglia on 16 September and the University of Suffolk on 22 September, bringing MenB vaccinations directly to campus as thousands of students begin the new academic year.
Students attending the clinics will also have the opportunity to speak with NHS staff about other vaccinations, check whether they are up to date with their immunisations and get advice about accessing healthcare services while at university.
Meningitis and septicaemia can be life-threatening. New students can be at increased risk because they are often mixing with large numbers of people and, in many cases, living in shared accommodation for the first time.
The MenB vaccination programme is being offered to:
- everyone born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008
- young people under 25 (born on or after 21 July 2001) who will be starting higher education for the first time, or starting further education for the first time as a residential student, in autumn 2026
- international students under 25 entering their first year of university.
International students should receive their first dose in their home country where possible to give the best chance of protection ahead of the start of the autumn term.
The vaccination team will return to the universities around 28 days later so students can receive their second dose and complete the vaccination course.
The MenB vaccine adds to, rather than replaces, the MenACWY vaccine most students will have been offered at school.
Dr Mike Smith, Interim Medical Director, NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board, said: “Starting university is an exciting milestone, but it is also a time when students can be exposed to infections that spread more easily in close-knit communities. Meningitis can develop very quickly and, in some cases, can have devastating consequences. Early symptoms can feel like flu, so if you or a friend are unwell and getting worse, do not wait it out. Call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for students to get protected, which is why we are taking vaccination clinics directly to freshers events. I would encourage all eligible students to come and speak to our team, get vaccinated if they can, and take the opportunity to check they are up to date with their other vaccinations too.”
Ahead of the vaccination clinics, the NHS vaccination team will attend a student welcome event at the University of East Anglia on 14 September to raise awareness of the MenB vaccine and other health services available to students. Information covering meningitis prevention, contraception, community pharmacy services and dental care will also be distributed.
The campaign is also being promoted through the University of Suffolk’s student welcome information to help ensure students are aware of the support available to them from the NHS.
Professor Claire Pike, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education and Experience at the University of East Anglia, said: “The health and wellbeing of our students is a top priority, particularly as they begin university life and settle into a new environment.
“We are pleased to support this NHS initiative, bringing MenB vaccinations directly onto campus and making it easier for students to access important protection against a serious illness.
“We encourage eligible students to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.”
Tom Hardy, Head of Operations at the University of Suffolk Students’ Union, said: “Our Welcome Week is not just about fun events, it’s also about helping to ensure students are ready for their new University life.
“Linking up with local NHS services to provide health information and access to these vaccinations is an important part of our work as a Students’ Union.”
Students who are unsure about their vaccination status are encouraged to attend the events and speak to the NHS vaccination team for advice.
Additional information
- The vaccination team will be at the University of East Anglia on 16 September from 10am to 2pm at The Hive in Union House.
- The team will be in room W208 at the University of Suffolk on 22 September from 12pm to 4pm.
- Students do not need to book an appointment or bring any documentation with them.
- Students who are unable to attend the above sessions can book a MenB vaccination appointment through the NHS website or visit a participating pharmacy offering walk-in MenB vaccinations for young people.