STUDENTS across Halton are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against meningitis and septicaemia before starting college or university.
Nearly 200 cases of the MenW bug, an aggressive form of meningitis, have been discovered in the past year.
Anyone up to the age of 25 that is starting university is strongly advised to get themselves vaccinated against the disease.
Dr Rosemary McCann, deputy director for health protection at PHE North West said: “Since 2009, there has been a rapid increase in cases of MenW across England, with students particularly at risk.
“Protecting young people from this potentially deadly disease as they embark upon one of the most important periods of their lives is vitally important.”
GPs will soon be writing to 17-19 year olds to urge them to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here