OLDER teenagers – including students heading to university this autumn for the first time – are being urged to protect themselves against potentially-deadly meningitis.

North Yorkshire health bosses are encouraging them to have the free MenACWY vaccination, which offers protection against four different strains of the meningococcal bacteria.

Kathryn Ingold, the county's consultant in public health, said: "Cases of meningitis and blood poisoning caused by a highly virulent strain of MenW bacteria have been rising over the past eight years.

"Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their noses and throats.

"Anyone who is eligible for the MenACWY vaccine should have it, even if they've previously had the earlier MenC vaccine.

"The MenACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness caused by the four meningococcal strains, including the virulent MenW.

"Students going to university for the first time, including overseas and mature students, who have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine remain eligible up to their 25th birthday.

"They should contact their GP to have the vaccination as soon as possible before starting their course. If they can't do that, they should arrange to have this done as soon as they can after they start."

County Councillor Caroline Dickinson, North Yorkshire's executive member for public health and prevention, said: "We would strongly encourage young people to take-up this free offer, to keep themselves safe when they go to university."