CHARITY Meningitis Now has renewed its call for students to take action to protect themselves from a particularly deadly strain of meningitis, as figures for England suggest that less than half of those eligible to receive a free new vaccine have yet to do so.

With take up anticipated to be similar across all countries of the UK this means that up to 250,000 students out of this year’s intake of half a million could be putting their lives at risk. All teenagers aged 17 and 18 are eligible to receive the free vaccine.

Older, first-time university entrants aged 19 to 25 can also claim the free vaccination, introduced to combat the rise in Men W cases in adolescents.

Cases of bacterial meningitis can spike during the winter months and students are particularly susceptible.

Teenagers are the second most at-risk group of contracting meningitis after babies and toddlers.

Sue Davie, chief executive of Meningitis Now, said: “Up to a quarter of students carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis compared to one in 10 of the general population.

More than 12 per cent of all cases occur in the 14 to 24 age group, with first-year students being at particular risk.

“It’s vital that students are not complacent about the threat of meningitis. We urge them to take up this lifesaving vaccine.”

Vaccines don’t cover all strains of meningitis and advice from the charity is for students to learn the signs and symptoms of the disease, and look out for themselves and their friends.

Meningitis symptoms can include sickness, fever, fever with cold hands and feet, muscle pain, headaches, confusion, irritability, dislike of bright lights, and a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure.

For more details or to find out about downloading a free ap, visit www.menin gitis.now.org or call the charity’s helpline free on 0808 801 0388.