The Free Vaccine Freshers are Missing
By Joseph Mahoney
Freshers’ week is an exciting time, full of meeting new people and experiencing new social environments, whether crammed into a lecture hall or enjoying Belfast’s vibrant nightlife. And with the freshers’ week chaos, there also comes the dreaded freshers’ flu. But the news this year has shown that students may be facing something much worse. Many of us forget to explore our options to protect our health at the beginning of the academic year, and it’s more important than ever to know the facts. This article aims to help freshers access healthcare at Queen’s and enjoy their university experience worry-free.
Why Is It So Important for Students?
Last March, students at the University of Kent were shocked by an outbreak of Meningitis B that led to the tragic deaths of two young people and affected a total of 23 patients. While this may seem far removed from Belfast’s shores, students are particularly at risk of MenB due to the conditions in which it is spread. The NHS states that students starting higher-level education are 7 times more likely to be infected than peers of a similar age who do not go to university [1].
How is Meningitis Spread?
MenB can be characterised by a high temperature over 37.5°C, worsening headache, dislike of bright lights, stiff neck, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness/unresponsiveness, seizures, and infamously, a rash that does not fade after pressure is applied. If you are worried that you or someone you know may be affected, please visit the NHS information page on meningitis for more information.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
In light of the recent outbreak in Kent, the NHS is rolling out a limited-time Meningitis B vaccine offer for all local, EU, and international students starting university for the first time, eligible up to their 25th birthday [2][3]. It is essential to receive two doses of the vaccine, with the second dose administered at least four weeks after the first dose to protect against meningococcal group B [4]. To access this vaccine, you must be registered with a GP. For students moving to Northern Ireland, registration information can be found on the Queen’s website.
Meningitis is a bacterial infection, meaning it requires close and prolonged contact to spread, such as in university halls of residence and other shared accommodation, which is exactly why students are at increased risk [5]. It is therefore recommended that students receive vaccination at least 2 weeks before starting university. Eligible young people are being strongly encouraged to take advantage of this offer, not only to protect themselves, but also to protect those who are more vulnerable to this infection.
While vaccinations are an effective defence against infection and illness, it is also important to take steps to avoid exposing yourself to these bacteria in the first place and prematurely ending your freshers festivities.
NHS advice recommends avoiding sharing vapes, drinks, or cigarettes with other students to minimise your exposure to potentially harmful bacteria. This risk is much higher than many expect, with an estimated 1 in 4 teenagers carrying Neisseria meningitidis (the bacteria responsible for meningococcal disease, including Meningitis B), harmlessly in the back of their throat without displaying any symptoms or signs of disease [6].
With the free MenB vaccine and knowledge of the symptoms of meningitis, this condition can be treated as long as it is caught early. Students are advised to stay vigilant and take advice from medical professionals.
For more information on Meningitis, please visit the NHS Website.
For additional information on Queen’s MenB vaccination programme and eligibility, please visit the QUB Website.
Stay safe and enjoy Freshers’ Week!
References:
[1] Mandal, Sema, Helen Campbell, Sonia Ribeiro, Steve Gray, Tony Carr, Joanne White, Shamez N. Ladhani, and Mary E. Ramsay. “Risk of invasive meningococcal disease in university students in England and optimal strategies for protection using MenACWY vaccine.” 13 October 2017. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264410X17312410?via%3Dihub
[2] UK Health Security Agency Blog. “Who Is Eligible for the New One-Off MenB Vaccine Programme?” 12 June 2026. https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/12/who-is-eligible-for-the-new-one-off-menb-vaccine-programme/
[3] Queen’s University Belfast. “Meningitis Information.” Accessed 25 September 2026. https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/my-queens/support/health-vaccination/
[4] Department of Health (Northern Ireland). “Health Minister Announces Men B Vaccination Programme.” 12 June 2026. https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/health-minister-announces-men-b-vaccination-programme.
[5] UK Health Security Agency. “Meningitis B Outbreak: What You Need to Know.” 18 March 2026. https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/.
[6] University of Oxford. “Meningococcal Disease.” 26 June 2025. https://vaccineknowledge.ox.ac.uk/meningococcal-disease
