UNIVERSITY students are being urged to get vaccinated against meningitis ahead of the Christmas period.

The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRFT) says those in their first year at University are among those at highest risk as they are a group most likely to carry the meningococcal bacteria.

Even if they don’t become ill themselves, they can carry the bacteria home from university at Christmas and spread it to other family members.

The MRF is encouraging them to sign up for a free vaccination.

Vinny Smith, chief Executive of MRF said: “With the threat to university students peaking in December, any unvaccinated first year students should get their free MenACWY vaccine urgently to protect themselves from four types of meningitis and septicaemia – Men A, C, W and Y. This will not only protect them but will also help protect their family and friends by stopping the bacteria from spreading.”

To check if they are eligible for the vaccinations all 14 to 20-year-olds can visit meningitis.org/oneshot