"That's one of the most important things students should know."
As students head into freshers’ week, a pharmacist warns not to assume a headache, vomiting or feeling wiped out is simply the result of a heavy night or the dreaded “freshers’ flu”.
It comes as new NHS figures show that 246,089 doses of the MenB vaccine were given to young people between July 20 and August 31.
The figures follow the launch of a major catch-up vaccination campaign this summer, introduced after outbreaks of meningococcal B disease earlier in 2026, including among university students in Kent.
With students moving into halls, meeting dozens new people and attending freshers’ events, health experts are urging them to recognise the symptoms of meningitis.
First-year university students have a risk of meningococcal disease around seven times higher than people of a similar age who do not attend university.
However, some early symptoms can be mistaken for the effects of late nights, alcohol or the so-called “freshers’ flu”.
Sobia Qasim, pharmacist at online pharmacy Curely, said: “Freshers’ week is probably one of the easiest environments in which to dismiss the early signs of meningitis.
“Students expect to feel tired. They might have been drinking the night before; they’re suddenly mixing with lots of new people and freshers’ flu is something almost everyone has heard of.
“So a headache, vomiting, feeling exhausted or generally feeling unwell can easily be put down to a hangover or a virus.
“The important thing with meningitis is not to wait for every textbook symptom to appear.
“Symptoms can develop quickly; they can appear in any order and not everybody develops the rash people tend to associate with meningitis.”
Ms Qasim said students should focus on how unwell someone appears and whether their condition is worsening, rather than trying to diagnose meningitis from a single symptom.
She said: “If your friend says they have a headache after a night out, that obviously doesn’t automatically mean meningitis.
“What should change your response is when someone seems much more unwell than you’d expect, particularly if they’re deteriorating, unusually drowsy, confused, developing a stiff neck, struggling with bright light, having seizures or developing a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure.
“Don’t wait for a rash before getting help. That’s one of the most important things students should know.
“If you suspect meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. It can become serious very quickly.”
The vaccination figures also highlight the importance of students checking whether they have completed their MenB vaccination course.
Two doses are required for protection, with the second dose given at least four weeks after the first.
Students who received their first vaccination during August may therefore now be approaching the point when their second dose is due.
Under the current NHS programme, eligible young people can receive their first dose until December 31, 2026, while second doses are available until 31 March 2027.
Eligible groups include young people born between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008, as well as eligible first-time university and residential further education students born on or after July 21, 2001.
Ms Qasim said: “One thing I’d urge students to check before university gets properly underway is whether they’ve actually completed the course.
“Getting the first vaccine is a positive step, but two doses are needed. If you’ve had your first, check the date and make sure you know when you’re due your second.
“Students have a lot to organise when they move away from home for the first time, so it’s understandable that a second vaccination appointment might not be top of the list.
“But this isn’t something I’d leave sitting at the bottom of your admin.”
Eligible young people in England can receive the free MenB vaccination through participating community pharmacies, as well as other vaccination services.
Appointments can be booked through the NHS National Booking Service or directly with participating pharmacies.
This can be particularly useful for students who have recently moved to a new city and may not yet be registered with a local GP.
Ms Qasim added: “Pharmacies make a lot of sense for this age group because they’re accessible and familiar, and students don’t necessarily have to navigate a new GP practice or wait until they’ve settled into university.
“Nearly a quarter of a million doses being delivered in just a few weeks shows what can happen when you make preventative healthcare easier to access.
“The message now is to finish the course if you’re eligible, know the symptoms and look out for the people you’re living with.
“During freshers’ week, your flatmate might be the person who notices you’re becoming seriously unwell before you do.”
Meningitis symptoms can develop in any order and not everyone will experience every symptom.
The NHS lists symptoms including a high temperature, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness, seizures and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.
Students should not wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical help.
Anyone who thinks they or someone else may have meningitis or sepsis should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
