Meningitis, Hangover or Freshers’ Flu? Pharmacist Explains the Symptoms Students Keep Confusing

Almost 250,000 MenB vaccine doses have been given to young people in England, as a pharmacist warns students not to dismiss serious symptoms as the after-effects of freshers’ week.

Key takeaways:

• 246,089 MenB vaccine doses were administered to young people in England between 20 July and 31 August

• First-year university students are around seven times more at risk of meningococcal disease than young people of a similar age who do not attend university

• Early meningitis symptoms can be mistaken for freshers’ flu or a hangover, and students should not wait for a rash before seeking urgent help

• Two MenB doses are needed for protection, with the second given at least four weeks after the first

• Eligible students can access the vaccination through participating community pharmacies

Students heading into freshers’ week are being warned not to assume a headache, vomiting or feeling wiped out is simply the result of a heavy night or the dreaded “freshers’ flu”.

The warning comes as new NHS figures reveal 246,089 doses of the MenB vaccine were administered to young people in England between 20 July and 31 August, following the launch of a major catch-up vaccination campaign this summer.

The programme was introduced following outbreaks of meningococcal B disease earlier this year, including among university students in Kent.

With students now moving into halls, meeting hundreds of new people and attending freshers’ events, health experts are warning that the weeks ahead are a particularly important time to recognise the symptoms.

First-year university students have a risk of meningococcal disease around seven times higher than young people of a similar age who do not attend university.

And one of the problems is that the early signs can look remarkably familiar after a week of late nights, drinking and mixing with hundreds of new people.

Sobia Qasim, pharmacist at online pharmacy Curely, said:

“Freshers’ week is probably one of the easiest environments in which to dismiss the early signs of meningitis.

Students expect to feel tired. They might have been drinking the night before, they’re suddenly mixing with lots of new people and freshers’ flu is something almost everyone has heard of.

So a headache, vomiting, feeling exhausted or generally feeling unwell can easily be put down to a hangover or a virus.

The important thing with meningitis is not to wait for every textbook symptom to appear. Symptoms can develop quickly, they can appear in any order and not everybody develops the rash people tend to associate with meningitis.”

Meningitis, freshers’ flu or a hangover?

There is no at-home checklist that can safely rule meningitis in or out, but there are symptoms students and their friends should take seriously.

Sobia said the most important distinction isn’t trying to diagnose yourself based on one symptom, but noticing how ill someone is becoming and whether their condition is getting worse.

“If your friend says they have a headache after a night out, that obviously doesn’t automatically mean meningitis.

What should change your response is when someone seems much more unwell than you’d expect, particularly if they’re deteriorating, unusually drowsy, confused, developing a stiff neck, struggling with bright light, having seizures or developing a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure.

Don’t wait for a rash before getting help. That’s one of the most important things students should know.

If you suspect meningitis or sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. It can become serious very quickly.”

Students shouldn’t rely on their first MenB jab

The NHS vaccination figures also come with an important catch.

Two doses of the MenB vaccine are required for protection, with the second dose given at least four weeks after the first.

That means many students who received their first vaccination during August may now be reaching the point when their second is due.

The current NHS programme allows eligible young people to receive their first dose until 31 December 2026, with second doses available until 31 March 2027.

Eligible groups include young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008, as well as eligible first-time university and residential further education students born on or after 21 July 2001.

Sobia Qasim, pharmacist at online pharmacy Curely, said:

“One thing I’d urge students to check before university gets properly underway is whether they’ve actually completed the course.

Getting the first vaccine is a positive step, but two doses are needed. If you’ve had your first, check the date and make sure you know when you’re due your second.

Students have a lot to organise when they move away from home for the first time, so it’s understandable that a second vaccination appointment might not be top of the list.

But this isn’t something I’d leave sitting at the bottom of your admin.”

Why pharmacies matter

The latest figures also highlight the growing role of high street pharmacies in vaccination programmes.

Rather than relying solely on GP surgeries or university health centres, eligible young people in England can access the free MenB vaccination through participating community pharmacies.

Appointments can be booked through the NHS National Booking Service or directly with participating pharmacies.

For students who have recently moved to a new city and may not yet be registered with a local GP, that accessibility can be particularly useful.

Sobia Qasim, pharmacist at online pharmacy Curely, added:

“Pharmacies make a lot of sense for this age group because they’re accessible and familiar, and students don’t necessarily have to navigate a new GP practice or wait until they’ve settled into university.

Nearly a quarter of a million doses being delivered in just a few weeks shows what can happen when you make preventative healthcare easier to access.

The message now is to finish the course if you’re eligible, know the symptoms and look out for the people you’re living with.

During freshers’ week, your flatmate might be the person who notices you’re becoming seriously unwell before you do.”

What to do if you suspect meningitis

Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone will experience every symptom.

The NHS lists symptoms including a high temperature, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness, seizures and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.

Do not wait for a rash to appear.

Anyone who thinks they or someone else may have meningitis or sepsis should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

Methodology and sources

NHS England figures published on 3 September 2026 show 246,089 MenB vaccine doses were administered to eligible young people between the programme launching on 20 July and 31 August 2026.

The NHS states that two doses are required, with the second administered at least four weeks after the first.

The vaccination programme follows meningococcal B outbreaks earlier in 2026 and is aimed at eligible young people, including those starting university for the first time this autumn.