A RETIRED paramedic whose daughter died of meningitis is urging teenagers to take part in a new vaccine programme to protect them from catching the virus.

Mike Olive's daughter Elizabeth had just finished training as a paediatric nurse when she was found dead in her room in the nurses's quarters at Hillingdon Hospital in 1987.

Mr Olive, from Basingstoke, who has three other children, has spoken to The Gazette after it was announced that, from today, GPs will be inviting all 17 and 18-year-olds to take part in the MenACWY vaccination programme, particularly those who are starting university in September.

First year university students are thought to be particularly susceptible to contracting meningitis because they are likely to mix with a lot of new people.

Mr Olive, 78, said: "My daughter was a nursing student and was with lots of people mixed up together in a close environment."

He has welcomed the new initiative, adding: "It's excellent, I would have thought it should be compulsory. If you are going to university one of the criteria should be that you do have the vaccine. Meningitis is a killer."

He pointed out that the symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses, such as a migraine, as was the case with his daughter, and said it can become serious very quickly, adding: "You don't have any time to waste."

Public Health England said the vaccine will also protect against septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by four meningococcal strains.

It will be offered to all 17 and 18-year-olds and is being introduced in response to a rapidly growing increase in cases of a highly aggressive strain of meningococcal, group W.

Cases have been increasing year-on-year, from 22 in 2009 to 117 in 2014.

In March 2015, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation reviewed the outbreak and concluded that this increase was likely to continue unless action is taken.

Mr Olive urged teenagers to have the vaccine, adding: "If I was to speak to students being offered this vaccine I would give them the evidence of what happened to our daughter."

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said first time university entrants aged 19 to 24 should also contact their GP for the vaccination.

She added: "Meningitis can be deadly and survivors are often left with severe disabilities as a result of this terrible disease. The vaccine will save lives and prevent disability.

"We must all remain alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and seek urgent medical attention if there is any concern. The disease develops rapidly and early symptoms can include headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet. Be aware of all signs and symptoms and trust your instincts - don't wait for a rash to develop before seeking urgent medical attention."

Sue Davie, chief executive of Meningitis Now, added: "As a charity dealing with the consequences of the disease on a daily basis, I would plead directly to parents to make sure that their children get the MenACWY vaccination. We are particularly concerned with those going to university or college in the autumn as they are at a higher risk from what has been called 'freshers' flu'."