Students are being urged to get protected against a potentially deadly infection before starting university.

A one-off NHS programme is offering a free two-dose Meningitis B vaccine for school leavers, including first-time university students in England under 25 who will be living in halls of residence or other residential accommodation.

The urgent call follows the deaths of two students in a meningitis outbreak in Kent earlier this year.

Wendy Lee, deputy superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, said: "Starting university is an exciting time, but it also means young people are meeting lots of new people and often living in close-contact settings such as halls of residence, where infections can spread more easily.

"MenB can become serious very quickly, and vaccination is a simple way to give students and parents peace of mind before they head off to university.

"A big thing to remember is this is not a single vaccination.

"The course requires two doses given at least four weeks apart.

"So, we encourage students and parents to book as early as possible this summer rather than waiting until university is about to start."

The scheme is also open to international students under 25 starting university in England this autumn.

Vaccinations are available at 435 Well Pharmacy branches across England.

The MenB vaccine protects against a fast-moving bacterial infection that can cause life-threatening meningitis and septicaemia within hours.

Symptoms can develop rapidly and are sometimes mistaken for flu or less serious illnesses.

Patients may experience a high temperature, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, cold hands and feet, confusion, drowsiness, a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, or a rash that does not fade under pressure.

Anyone concerned about possible meningitis should seek urgent medical attention without delay.

Well pharmacists are available to advise on symptoms, vaccination eligibility, and when to seek emergency care.

They are also reminding students that waiting until the start of university or Freshers’ Week could be too late to complete the full vaccine course, which requires two doses a minimum of four weeks apart.

Well Pharmacy is urging students to find their nearest pharmacy as soon as possible, allowing the most time for a full course before they head off for studies in September.