Health protection
Meningitis and the ACWY Vaccine
Meningitis is a life threatening, infectious disease that can leave devastation in its wake. It often occurs hand-in-hand with septicaemia and, when it strikes, it can be fatal. Within a matter of hours it can take hold of a strong, healthy, independent individual and change them forever. Know the signs!
Read Charlotte H's Meningitis Experience
Why are first year university students at risk?
Students can be more vulnerable to meningitis because of living in close living arrangements. In many cases, young people come together from all over the world to live in one place and can sometimes be exposed to bacteria and viruses their bodies have not met before. This is why so many new students get ‘freshers' flu’.
As the early symptoms of meningitis can disguise themselves as other things, such as common illnesses like flu, or maybe a hangover, it’s easy to mistake meningitis for something else.
Know the signs and symptoms - it could mean all the difference.
Signs and Symptoms
Watch the Meningitis Now Fastest Hour video
The ACWY vaccine
The vaccine helps to protect against the ACWY Meningitis strains and is administered by a simple injection which is free to all first year students who are under 25. It’s very important to get the vaccine to ensure you are protected from Meningitis.
The vaccine is available at all NTU Health Centres. If you have not had the ACWY vaccine call today to book for your free vaccine - it could be lifesaving!
- City Campus Medical Practice call: 0115 848 6481
- Clifton Campus Medical Practice call: 0115 848 3100
- Southwell Medical Centre (for Brackenhurst students) call: 01636 813 561
You will need to be registered with the practice to receive the free vaccine.
We recommend that you register with a local doctor while you are studying so that you can get medical help and advice quickly and easily. Your home GP can still see you as a temporary resident when you are not in Nottingham.
The Department of Health recommends that all students be fully immunised before arrival at university. You should arrange to see your doctor and make sure you are up-to-date with vaccinations against:
If you have had only one dose of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine you will need to get the second dose at the appropriate time. Ask your doctor for advice. Please visit your current surgery and find out if your vaccines are up-to-date and if you have been vaccinated for:
- Meningitis C
- First Mumps (MMR)
- Second Mumps (MMR)
If you have, then you also need to find out the dates when you were vaccinated. Please give your new doctor this information when you start university.
Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia need to know information 
.
General health issues
From coughs and colds to measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations - your essential link is with a local doctor.
For further information on health and local services, please visit Nottingham Urgent Care Centre.
The Urgent Care Centre provides access to assessment and treatment if you need help with a health problem that is urgent, but not life-threatening. This is a walk-in service, open between 7am and 9pm, 365 days a year, with no appointment needed. You can also call them on 0115 883 8500.
The Urgent Care Centre is located approximately 1 mile from the City Campus at Seaton House, City Link, Nottingham NG2 4LA
A walk-it route from the City Campus is also available.
