Meningitis

Get urgent medical help

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you know could have meningitis or sepsis.

Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it’s serious.

What to look out for

If a friend goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly and seek urgent medical advice if you are concerned. Early symptoms of meningitis can be easily confused with a bad cold, flu or a hangover. Students are particularly at risk of missing these early warning signs.

Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.

Symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

  • high temperature (fever)
  • vomiting and diarrhoea
  • severe and worsening headache
  • rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
  • stiff neck
  • dislike of bright lights
  • very cold hands and feet
  • drowsiness or unresponsiveness
  • confusion or delirium
  • seizures (fits)

Meningitis signs and symptoms | Meningitis Now

Vaccinations

There are different strains of meningococcal bacteria that cause meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia). Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis.

MenACWY vaccine 

  • Protects against Meningococcal A, C, W and Y.
  • Available on the NHS for teenagers, sixth formers and students going to university for the first time.
  • Can be given up to the age of 25 if it's been missed.
    Only one dose is required. A booster may be recommended for some work or travel roles; this is not provided on the NHS.

MenB vaccine

  • Protects against Meningococcal B.
  • Available on the NHS for babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at 1 year.
  • Not available for adults on the NHS.
  • Available privately from some pharmacies.

Check your vaccination history

Check your vaccination history on the NHS App. See Viewing immunisations history for guidance. 

NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS 

Book a vaccine appointment

Book a MenACWY or MMR vaccination appointment if you: 

  • haven’t had a MenACWY or MMR vaccination 
  • are aged 25 or under 
  • are registered with us. 

If you’re not registered with us yet, use our postcode checker to see if you’re within our catchment area. See 

If you’re not registered with us yet, use our postcode checker to see if you’re within our catchment area. See Register | Students' Health Service | University of Bristol.

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