Hannah is misguided in thinking that the meningitis C vaccination she received in 2014 is the same as the ACWY immunisation Vicky has spoken about. Since 2009, cases of previously rare meningitis W have been on the increase because of the emergence of a particularly aggressive bacterial strain known as ST-11. For this reason, Men ACWY vaccination – previously predominantly recommended only for those making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca – was introduced in August 2015 in order to provide protection against four groups of meningococcal bacteria.

University students are one of the main groups being targeted for Men ACWY vaccination because they are considered at greater risk of contracting meningitis W. This is due to the bacteria being more likely to be carried by teenagers and young people, and passed to others during the sudden mingling of young people from across the country that occurs at the start of the new academic year, particularly among those moving into communal accommodation such as halls of residence. Just a single dose of the vaccine is required and Hannah should make sure she has had it administered at her GP surgery before departing from home in a few months’ time, or shortly after arriving at university.