Young people in Gloucestershire are urged to prioritise Meningitis Vaccine
Figures show roughly a third in the county have had their first dose - but two are needed for full protection.
The UK Health Security Agency are calling for young people across Gloucestershire to get vaccinated against meningitis.
Those born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008nare eligible for the free vaccine, as well as anyone under 25 who is moving away from home for the first time.
Freshers are particularly vulnerable to the disease as they mix with lots of new people during those first few weeks and months away from home.
The risk for students in their first year of university around 7 times higher than young people of a similar age who do not go to university.
Chaam Klinger, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA. She said getting vaccinated and knowing the signs and symptoms of Meningitis will save lives.
''It can start like a really nasty flu. You might think that you're hungover and you've been partying a bit too much the day before.''
She added, ''You might have a headache, lights make your eyes really sore, neck might feel really stiff, you might have a fever, you just feel rotten, you might start vomiting.
If it's meningococcus that's gone into the bloodstream, then you get a rash, and the key thing with the rash is, if you put a glass on it, it doesn't go away''
Chaam said what is so vital in those new environemtns, is that young people look out for one anaother
She said, ''You might not know your flatmates, but if you think, oh this person hasn't been out for a couple of days, they might be ill in their room.
''Check that your neighbours are okay as well, because they're far away from home. Keep an eye out for each other.''
The meningitis B vaccine is two doses. Healthcare professionals say getting both doses is essential for protection, with the doses needing to be given 28 days apart.
Students can get the vaccines from local pharmacies and can book via the NHS website