STUDENTS have again been reminded to take advantage of free meningitis vaccinations.

Teenagers born between September 1 1996 and August 31 1997 are urged to contact their doctors in a bid to fend off an anticipated rise in cases during the winter months.

Meningococcal disease can lead to meningitis and blood poisoning and is particularly common among groups of students who live in close contact.

Both diseases can kill or lead to serious health problems including brain damage, loss of sight or hearing and loss of limbs.

It's nearly two years since Bournemouth teenager Connie Moore died from the disease.

The 16-year-old Bournemouth School for Girls pupil was struck down hours after taking mock GCSE exams and since then her family and friends have raised more than £250,000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Public Health England (PHE) is urging students to contact their GPs before they return to their university halls of residence after the festive break.

The call for students to get vaccinated follows the introduction of a new MenACWY vaccination programme in August that offers teenagers protection against four common meningococcal strains.

The MenACWY vaccine was introduced this year in response to a rapid increase in cases of a highly aggressive strain of group W meningococcal disease. Cases of MenW have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 cases in 2009/10 to 176 in 2014/15. It is currently responsible for around a quarter of all laboratory-confirmed meningococcal cases in England.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, said: “Think of it as a New Year’s resolution and keep yourself and your friends safe by getting vaccinated."

Joanne Yarwood, National Immunisation Programme Manager at PHE, added: "As a mum of teenagers, I know how busy their lives can be, and so I urge all parents of 18 and 19 year olds to put a MenACWY vaccine on their family’s list of essential things to do.

"Meningitis can be deadly and survivors are often left with severe disabilities as a result of this terrible disease. Encouraging your son or daughter to have the MenACWY vaccine could save their life, or prevent them from permanent disability."