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Meningitis life-saving resources for students in the UK
01 September 2003
Meningitis Research Foundation has just sent tens of thousands of wall planners together with NHS Immunisation Information Look after your mate flyers and posters - FREE life-saving resources - to university and college students throughout the UK.
Whilst most students will have had the vaccine protecting them against Group C meningitis and septicaemia, there are other major forms of these diseases which are not yet vaccine preventable. It is therefore vital that they remain aware of the symptoms.
In past years students have been at particular risk of contracting meningitis and septicaemia with devastating consequences. Around 12% of young people who have contracted the diseases have tragically died and many more have suffered the after effects, which can be as serious as brain damage, deafness and amputations.
Said Denise Vaughan, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation: "After identifying the need to help students recognise the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, we developed a wall planner displaying the symptoms. The planner will act as a constant reminder to students throughout the academic year, which we hope will save lives."
The planner also gives the Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline number - 080 8800 3344 - should students have concerns or require further information.