There has been one case of the disease in the ACT this year, and a 16 year old in Tasmania died after contracting the W strain earlier this month.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe infection that occurs when meningococcal bacteria invade the body from the throat or nose and enter the bloodstream.

The disease can progress very quickly and can lead to death or permanent disability. Meningococcal disease is caused by multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria.

ACT Health physician Dr Vanessa Johnston said young adults between 16 and 19 years old were being targeted with a catch-up program for the ACWY strains, as they are at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease.

“We know that young adults and older teenagers are more likely to carry the bacteria in their nose and throat and more likely to spread it to others. That’s why we are targeting young adults as part of a catch-up program,” Dr Johnston said.

“They’re one of a range of strategies we have in place to ensure we reach as many young people as possible with the vaccine.

“Young people who are eligible for the vaccine but not able to attend the vaccine clinics on their campus can also receive the free vaccine through their GP.”

ANU student Brianna Eggleton, 19, was one of the first to take up the offer of the free vaccine.

"I'm a science student studying bio-technology and I think keeping up to date with vaccines is very important," she said.

"To prevent yourself from getting these preventable diseases by getting your vaccines is huge."

The vaccine will be free for 16 to 19 year olds only until the end of this year. The ACT government funded schools-based vaccination program for Year 10 students was rolled out earlier in the year and will continue in 2019.

“Uptake figures among Year 10 students so far this year has been very promising, with 79 per cent receiving the vaccine in semester one – equating to 3958 doses,” Dr Johnston said.

“However, we estimate only 10 per cent of 16 to 19 years old in the ACT have received the vaccine through their GP to date."

ACT Health staff will visit UC on August 1 as part of its market day.