WIRRAL students are being urged to take action to protect themselves from a particularly deadly strain of meningitis this winter.

Charity Meningitis Now reports figures for England suggest that less than half of those eligible to receive a free new vaccine have yet to do so.

With take-up anticipated to be similar across the UK, this means that up to 250,000 students out of this year’s intake of half-a-million could be putting their lives at risk.

All teenagers aged 17 and 18 are eligible to receive the "ACWY" vaccine for free since August last year.

Older, first-time university entrants aged 19 to 25 can also claim the free vaccination, introduced to combat the rise in Men W cases in adolescents.

Cases of bacterial meningitis can spike during the winter months and students are particularly susceptible.

Teenagers are the second most at risk group of contracting meningitis after babies and toddlers.

Sue Davie, Meningitis Now chief executive, said: “Up to a quarter of students carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis compared to one in ten of the general population.

“More than 12% of all cases occur in the 14 to 24 age group, with first year students being at particular risk.

“It’s vital that students are not complacent about the threat of meningitis - we urge them to take up this lifesaving vaccine.”

There are not vaccines for all strains of meningitis and the advice from the charity is for students to also learn the signs and symptoms of the disease, and look out for themselves and their friends.

Meningitis symptoms can include sickness, fever, fever with cold hands and feet, muscle pain, headaches, confusion, irritability, dislike of bright lights and a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure.

Students should seek urgent medical help if they suspect the disease.

To request a free signs and symptoms card or download a free app visit the website www.meningitis.now.org or call the charity’s Freephone helpline on 0808 80 10 388.