Meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia is an uncommon illness, but it can be serious.
University students are at higher risk of infection due to mixing closely with lots of new people – some may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria.
Meningitis can make you ill fast so it’s important to know the early signs of infection.
Meningitis symptoms
Symptoms include:
- severe headache
- high temperature/fever
- vomiting
- stiff neck
- aching limbs or joints
- discomfort with bright light (photophobia)
- drowsiness or confusion
- muscle pains, especially in the legs
- fine purple rash, which does not fade when pressed with a glass.
Not all these symptoms will be present in all cases.
The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against all types of meningitis‑causing bacteria, including group B (MenB). This is why it’s important to know the symptoms of meningitis, as getting treatment early can save lives.
What to do if you have meningitis symptoms
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest Accident and emergency (A&E) immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis.
Meningitis vaccinations
If you’re travelling within in the UK, check your vaccinations are up to date.
Free meningitis vaccines (MenACWY) are available for people up to age 25, including international students.
The MenACWY vaccine protects against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis (A, C, W, and Y).
Many school pupils in the UK have the meningitis vaccine between the ages of 13 to 15. If you had the vaccine at school, you won’t need to get it again. If you have not had a meningitis vaccination before coming to Leeds, you can get a MenB vaccine at a participating pharmacy.
If you're an international student it’s important you check you’re up to date with all vaccines recommended by the UK vaccination programme. Talk to your doctor about any vaccinations that you may need to come to the UK. Ideally, you should have any vaccines you need before leaving for university so that you can build up protection before you arrive.
If possible, check whether you can receive the vaccine in your home country before travelling to the UK. The UK programme uses Bexsero® (4CMenB), which requires two doses at least 28 days apart, with a further two weeks after the second dose for full protection to develop.
Some countries use Trumenba®, which is given as either two doses at least six months apart or a three-dose course. As Trumenba® is not part of the UK programme, you should ideally complete the full course before coming to the UK. Keep a record of any MenB vaccinations you receive, including the vaccine name and dates.
If you’re not able to get vaccinated before you arrive, register with a doctor as soon as you arrive in Leeds. A healthcare professional can help determine whether any catch-up vaccinations are needed after arrival.
Register with a doctor
If you haven’t already registered with a doctor, read our register with a doctor page for details of how to do this.
For the latest updates about meningitis, check the UK Health Security Agency information.
The University will be notified directly by the UKHSA if any of our students may have had close contact with someone with meningitis or if it is believed they have contracted meningitis.