STUDENTS heading to university across the South West have been reminded by Public Health England (PHE) to get vaccinated against meningitis and septicaemia.

The MenACWY vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal disease known as Men A, C, W and Y, which can all cause meningitis and septicaemia.

MenW is one of the most aggressive and life-threatening forms of meningococcal disease and can rapidly become fatal.

Many survivors are left with life-changing disabilities, including brain damage and loss of limbs.

However there is a vaccine against the MenW strain which teenagers can receive, that also protects against the A,C and Y strains.

Teenagers in eligible groups, who missed vaccination in previous years, can still have the vaccine up to their 25th birthday, whether attending university or not.

Students starting university for the first time are particularly at risk if they remain unvaccinated.