On this page, we will discuss each individual vaccine that may be
offered to you before or during your time at university. Each vaccine has been thoroughly assessed by our team, with a comprehensive analysis of risks and benefits, vaccine side effects, and pros and cons. Each
assessment includes links to a wide variety of studies, medical
literature, and expert opinion, thereby enabling you to acquire a thorough
understanding of each vaccine before you consent to receive it.
Hep B (Hepatitis B)
Meningitis (click here for full article)
The vaccine: Men ACWY - brand names Menveo® and Nimenrix®
The claim: "The
Men ACWY vaccine provides good protection against serious infections
caused by four different meningococcal groups (A, C, W and Y) including
meningitis and septicaemia." [1]
Why is it offered to students?
According to the NHS, teenagers
and university students are at high risk of infection because many of
them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly
carry the meningococcal bacteria. [2]
The
facts:
First of all. It is important to recognise that contracting
serious illness from the meningococcal bacteria is exceptionally rare. The
meningococcal bacteria live in the back of the nose and throat in about
1 in 10 of the population without causing any illness.[3] So simply by going to school, using public transport and going to pubs and gigs, you will already have been in close contact with dozens of people carrying this bacteria, with no ill effects. Very
occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness,
including meningitis, but this is usually in people who have other serious health or lifestyle issues, such as suffering from HIV/AIDS or being in prison. [9]
Read full article on meningitis vaccine Men ACWY
Back to all vaccines