Walsall Council Public Health is encouraging eligible school leavers and first-year university students to get both doses of the MenB vaccine, which are important for protection. Students who have not yet been vaccinated are being urged to book an appointment as soon as possible. University life often brings students into contact with lots of new people through accommodation, teaching and social activities, increasing opportunities for infections to spread.
Invasive meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can spread through close contact with an infected person.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningococcal disease should seek urgent medical advice. Symptoms can include:
There were 348 laboratory-confirmed cases reported across England in 2024 to 2025, including 28 deaths. In the West Midlands, 38 cases were reported during the same period.
Latest NHS vaccine data (up to 31 August) shows there have been 22,620 MenB vaccinations in the West Midlands region. As part of the time-limited vaccination programme launched in the summer, eligible students are still being encouraged to come forward for vaccination.
“ As young people prepare for university, we want them to do so with the best possible protection against serious infections. The MenB vaccine offers valuable protection against meningococcal disease, and I encourage eligible students to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated as soon as possible. It is a simple step that can help keep you safe while making the most of university life.
Dr Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health
It is also a good time to check that you are up to date with all your routine vaccinations, including MenACWY, MMR and any others you may have missed. Getting vaccinated can help keep you healthy throughout your studies. If you are unsure whether you have missed any of these vaccines, contact your GP practice. “
Walsall Council
“ Starting university is an exciting milestone, but Freshers' Week and student life can bring young people into close contact with large numbers of new people, creating ideal conditions for meningococcal infection to spread. First year students are 7 times more at risk of meningococcal disease than people of a similar age who don’t go to university, and in some cases, the infection can be life-changing or even fatal.
Emma Booth, Consultant in Health Protection for vaccine preventable diseases
MenB is now the leading cause of meningococcal disease among young adults, and many students will not have received this vaccine as children. Getting vaccinated takes just a few minutes, but it could help protect against a life-threatening illness.
It is also vital to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and seek urgent medical advice if you or a friend becomes seriously unwell. Early symptoms can easily be mistaken for a hangover or 'freshers' flu', so it's important not to wait to see if things improve. “
UK Health Security Agency
Students are encouraged to check they are up to date with all routine vaccinations before starting university. This includes the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y and is routinely offered to teenagers. Anyone who missed their MenACWY vaccination at school can still access for free through their GP up to their 25th birthday.
While the MenB vaccine provides protection against most meningococcal B strains, it does not protect against every cause of meningitis and septicaemia. Knowing the signs and symptoms and seeking urgent medical advice if someone becomes seriously unwell remains important.
