TEENAGERS across the borough are being urged to protect themselves against meningitis, especially if they are heading off to university this autumn.

Meningitis is a rare but life-threatening disease which occurs mainly in children and young adults and all 17 and 18-year-olds in Dudley are being invited by their GPs to book in for the vaccine as soon as possible.

First year university students are particularly susceptible to the disease because they are mixing closely with new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry meningococcal bacteria. They are encouraged to have the vaccine at least two weeks before starting their course.

A new MenACWY jab has replaced the existing meningitis C booster and is available to everyone born between September 1, 1996 and August 31, 1997, along with first time university students aged 19 to 24.

Dudley Councillor Rachel Harris, cabinet member for health, said: “Even if you have recently received the Men C booster vaccine, it’s still important to get this new vaccine as it protects against A, W and Y strains as well.

“This is an exciting time for students heading off to university for the first time, but we’d like them to make getting this vaccination part of their preparation plans.

“Most children will have had the MenC as a child but, as immunity decreases over time, it’s important they get this new vaccine and protect themselves against these four strains of this potentially life threatening disease.”

Early symptoms can include headaches, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet and the vaccine can also be arranged via universities or colleges’ health centres or GP.