First-year university students in the South East are being offered meningitis B vaccinations on campus as part of an NHS drive to boost protection against the disease.

Clinics are being held during Freshers Week at universities including Surrey, Kent and Chichester, with thousands of students eligible for free vaccinations.

The campaign comes months after more than 20 young people, mostly students, were infected during a severe outbreak of meningitis B in Kent.

University of Surrey student Arwen, who received her jab on Friday, said: "I wanted to get vaccinated today because I will be starting my course next week and I know it's really important for me to stay safe."

Nearly 50,000 students across the South East have received a MenB vaccination since the temporary programme launched in July, the highest total of any region in England.

NHS England has commissioned community pharmacies to run on-campus vaccination clinics as part of a one-off programme aimed at students considered to be at the highest immediate risk of the disease.

Universities taking part in the region include Kent, Surrey and Chichester, alongside the wider pharmacy-led vaccination offer.

Natalie King, an ambassador at Meningitis Research Foundation, was at the University of Surrey's student union on Friday as vaccinations were given.

She told the BBC: "It's really important for students to be up to date with their vaccinations, to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to look out for one another.

"We know that those signs and symptoms look really similar to flu, to hangover symptoms, to burnout, that sort of thing. So to look out for one another as well."

The University of Kent told its students to check whether they are eligibile for MenB and if they have already had a first dose.

It said walk-in clinics were available on 1 or 2 October or could be booked between 7 and 9 October.

"Getting your first dose early gives you the best chance of getting both doses within the offer period and ensuring you are protected," it said.

Canterbury Christ Church University said it was "working closely" with the NHS and pharmacists to bring pop-up clinics to its Canterbury and Medway campuses in October.

It said more details would be shared with students soon and encouraged students to "take advantage of this opportunity".

A University of Sussex spokesperson said all incoming UK students had been sent NHS guidance and vaccination booking information before arriving on campus.

They said the university would continue working with public health partners to encourage vaccinations and support students who need a second dose.

The spokesperson added that MenB vaccinations would also be available through the university's community pharmacist.

Alicia Siraj, interim deputy director of public health for NHS England South East, said the community pharmacy scheme was "making it easier for eligible young people to get protected".

More than 20 young people, mostly students, were infected in the UK's worst outbreak of meningitis B earlier this year, in a cluster linked to a Canterbury nightclub.

All required hospital treatment, while nine were admitted to intensive care and two died.

Scientists have since said they have discovered why the bacteria responsible for the outbreak proved so dangerous.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said an exchange of genetic material from other bacteria found naturally in some people's throats created a new variant that spread between clubgoers and caused severe illness.

Experts stress that the MenB vaccine currently being offered to more than a million young people starting university provides protection against the strain.

The NHS said first-year university students were around seven times more likely to develop meningococcal disease than young people of a similar age who do not attend university.

The disease can cause sepsis and become life-threatening in a short period of time.

Health officials said that while outbreaks remained uncommon, the disease could have a profound impact on individuals, families and communities.

Siraj said: "The South East has already delivered the highest number of MenB vaccinations in the country, which is a fantastic achievement.

"But anyone who is eligible and has not yet started or completed the two-dose course should come forward as soon as possible."

Two doses are needed for protection and must be be given at least 28 days apart.

The first dose must be received by 31 December, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.

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