Vaccine-Preventable Infections

Meningitis C

Meningococcal infection is a serious illness caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. There are a number of different groups of meningococci. Before vaccination against group C meningococcal infection was introduced in 1999/2000, there were a number of outbreaks of meningitis at universities in the UK. Since then, group C meningococcal infection has become very rare. There is as yet no vaccination for the other common group of meningococci in the UK (group B) and cases of group B meningococcal infection still occur.

Students are advised to ensure that they have been vaccinated against meningitis C before arriving in Cambridge. If this is not possible, please discuss this with your doctor or college nurse as soon as possible after your arrival.

Further information concerning meningitis can be found at www.meningitis-trust.org and in the University's guidelines.

Mumps

Mumps can be a serious infection if caught after puberty. The University of Cambridge was affected by a large outbreak of mumps during October - December 2004 and cases are still occurring. The number of cases of mumps reported nationally has increased in recent years. There have been a number of outbreaks affecting secondary schools, universities and colleges, and military establishments.

People born in the UK between 1982 and 1990 are especially susceptible. They were born before the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine was in general use but grew up at a time when vaccination reduced the chances of them being exposed to mumps. Many people now in their teens and twenties have either not been immunised at all or have had only one dose of MMR. The school vaccination programme in 1994 only covered measles and rubella.

National policy is that children and young adults (up to and including 24 years old) should be protected with two doses of MMR. We strongly recommend that all students ensure that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine before coming to the University.

Tuberculosis

Although TB is increasing in the UK it remains quite rare and is predominantly confined to the major cities - about 40% of all cases are in London. The tuberculosis rate is also much higher in the foreign born population than in those who are UK born. Anyone can catch TB, but for most people in the UK the risk of contracting the disease is very small.

Diagnosis of infection in young people can be delayed because neither they nor their doctor consider it as a possibility. If you develop symptoms of a persistent cough that lasts for three weeks or more, weight loss and sweating at night you should see your GP.

The BCG vaccination provides good protection against TB infection. If you have not already been vaccinated you should discuss it with your GP. If you decide that you wish to be vaccinated you will be referred to the chest clinic at the hospital as this vaccine is not given in general practice.