PUBLIC Health England (PHE) is launching a new vaccination programme that will offer teenagers protection against meningitis (inflammation of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

As part of the MenACWY programme, GPs in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire are inviting teenagers aged 17 and 18 (born between 01 September 1996 and 31 August 1997) to get vaccinated.

PHE believes it is important that anyone who plans to go to university has the vaccine as there is an increased risk of them getting meningococcal disease, the cause of meningitis.

The organisation thinks that many people at university will be mixing closely with lots of new people, who may be carry the meningococcal bacteria.

Those taking the vaccine will get protection against meningitis and septicaemia caused by four meningococcal strains including MenW.

Cases of MenW have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 cases in 2009 to 117 in 2014. It is currently responsible for around a quarter of all laboratory-confirmed meningococcal cases in England.

The vaccine is being introduced in response to a rapidly growing increase in cases of a highly aggressive strain of meningococcal disease, group W.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE said: “We’re encouraging all eligible teenagers to take-up the offer of vaccination when they are contacted by their GP.

“If you’re planning to go to university or college, you should be vaccinated before the start of the academic term or before leaving home for university or college (ideally two weeks in advance). Please make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible when the vaccine is offered.

“First time university entrants from 19 to 24 years of age inclusive should also contact their GP for the vaccination.”