The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has urged new Pakistani students to get vaccinated against meningitis B as the new academic year begins.
The advice also applies to all international students arriving in the UK for their studies.
Students aged under 25 who are starting university for the first time are eligible for the free MenB vaccine through the NHS.
The health service has advised eligible students to get the vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves against the serious infection.
Meningitis B is a bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The infection can develop quickly and may become life-threatening.
The NHS says university students, particularly those living in halls of residence, can face a higher risk of meningococcal disease because they live in close contact with large numbers of people.
International students, including those arriving from Pakistan, can also access the free vaccination if they meet the NHS eligibility requirements.
Students who are unsure about their eligibility or vaccination history can contact their GP or university health service for advice.
