Meningitis and septicaemia – information for students in schools and sixth form colleges (text only)
Updated 30 November 2020
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1. Protect your self against meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.
Meningococcal meningitis (swelling of the brain lining) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are caused by meningococcal bacteria. These conditions are rare but very serious and need urgent hospital treatment.
Teenagers and young adults are in one of the highest risk groups for meningococcal disease.
MenACWY vaccine helps protect you from four common meningococcal groups – Men A, C, W and Y.
Help protect yourself by having the MenACWY vaccine you are offered in Year 9 or 10.
If you missed the vaccine talk to your school provider. It is free of charge before your 25th birthday.
For more information, speak to your your GP surgery, or visit NHS.UK, Meningitis Research Foundation or Meningitis Now.