Meningitis B is a serious but preventable bacterial infection, and the only way to fully protect yourself is through vaccination. The meningitis B vaccine is particularly important for university students and teenagers in the UK, as they are among the age groups at highest risk.
Although many students receive the MenACWY vaccine at school, this vaccine only protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria: A, C, W and Y. It does not protect against MenB, which is a separate strain and is most common amongst young adolescents.
In this article, we’ll explain why university students are at higher risk of MenB and why arranging a meningitis B vaccine for students in the UK before starting university is necessary.
What Is Meningitis B?
Meningitis is an infection that attacks the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, causing severe swelling. Meningitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
One of the types of bacteria which causes meningitis is called ‘Neisseria meningitidis’, which is known as ‘meningitis B’ or ‘MenB’.
This bacteria commonly lives harmlessly in people’s throats but can cause devastating disease if it gets into the blood or spinal fluid.
What Are the Symptoms of Meningitis B to Watch For?
Symptoms of meningitis B can strike suddenly without warning and can be fatal.
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark purple rash
The main reason meningitis B goes unnoticed is because its symptoms may feel like the flu. However, it’s important to remember that symptoms can progress quickly and may become life-threatening.
Who Is Eligible for the Meningitis B Vaccine on the NHS?
There are two types of vaccines you need to be vaccinated against the main strains of meningitis: the MenACWY vaccine and the MenB vaccine.
MenACWY Vaccine:
This vaccine protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
- It’s normally given in school years 9–10 (age 13–14).
- If someone missed it, they can still get it free up to age 25 through their GP.
MenB Vaccine:
This protects against Neisseria meningitidis group B bacteria, which can cause serious infections such as meningitis and sepsis.
The NHS only routinely offers the MenB vaccine to babies as part of their childhood routine vaccinations at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year, as well as to some high-risk groups. Most teenagers and university students are not eligible for the MenB vaccine on the NHS.
Why Are Students Being Urged to Get the Meningitis B Vaccine?
Only since 2015 has there been a vaccine against meningitis B. Students born before 2015 may have missed the MenB vaccine as part of their childhood schedule and therefore remain unprotected.
Meningitis B can be present in people of all ages, but there is a particular risk group among adolescents and young adults. Teenagers and young people are more likely to carry the bacteria that causes meningitis in the back of their throats. Increased social interaction in this age group means the bacteria can be passed on more easily.
For these reasons, it is especially important for students and teenagers to get vaccinated against MenB to protect themselves and others.
Why Are University Students at Higher Risk of Meningitis B?
University students are at a higher risk of catching and spreading meningitis B because of the way student life increases exposure to the bacteria that cause the disease.
Meningococcal bacteria can spread from person to person through saliva and respiratory droplets. This means activities such as kissing, coughing, sneezing or sharing drinks and utensils can pass the bacteria between people. This puts university students at a higher risk as they
- Live in shared accommodation
- Have frequent close social contact
- Higher carriage rates in young adults
- Increased exposure during the first year, meeting lots of new people
For that reason, the UK government urges students to get vaccinated for meningitis prior to starting university. However, only the MenACWY vaccine is available on the NHS to these students. So even if you have received MenACWY, you’ll still need to arrange to have the MenB vaccine privately to be fully protected.
Do University Students Need the Meningitis B Vaccine?
Yes. University students fall into the age group at highest risk for meningitis B. Unfortunately, even though it is the most common strain among students, the MenB vaccine isn’t offered as a vaccination for students on the NHS. Therefore, lots of UK students and their parents don’t realise they’re not protected and need to get it done privately.
Sophie W was a university student who tragically died from meningococcal septicaemia in 2023. Although she had received the MenACWY vaccine, blood tests showed she had a strain of MenB.
We strongly urge all students to arrange for their MenB vaccine before starting university to stay fully protected. Contact us at The Oakley Medical Practice to enquire about the MenB vaccine.
Where Can Students Get the Meningitis B Vaccine?
If you are a student and not eligible to receive the meningitis B vaccine through the NHS, it is still possible to access it privately through private GP practices, travel vaccination clinics or some pharmacies.
Many teenagers and young adults who missed the original NHS rollout choose to have the vaccine privately before starting university, especially if they will be living in shared accommodation.
At The Oakley Medical Practice, private meningitis vaccinations are available for protection against several strains, including meningitis B and meningitis ACWY.
Meningitis B Vaccine for Students in the UK at The Oakley Medical Practice
At The Oakley Medical Practice, we understand that many teenagers and young adults heading to university may not realise they are not fully protected against meningitis B.
We encourage meningitis B vaccines for all students and university students in the UK. Our clinical director and private GP, Dr David Eccleston, recently spoke on ITV News about the risks young people face without the MenB vaccine.
As a CQC-registered private GP practice in Sutton Coldfield, in Birmingham, we offer a safe, doctor-led vaccination service for students and young adults. To learn more, visit our meningitis vaccination page, and to book your meningitis B vaccine, contact us today.
