Students heading to university in September are being encouraged to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations ahead of Freshers’ Week to protect themselves against a range of life-threatening illnesses.

First year or returning students can be at increased risk of serious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia and measles as they mix with large numbers of other students from around the country and overseas.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and meningitis charities are urging parents and students to ensure they are protected before the term begins as many of these illnesses arise at the start of the academic year.

The 3 vaccines students should get up to date with are:

1. MenACWY – protecting against 4 common strains causing meningitis and septicaemia
2. MMR – protecting against measles, mumps, rubella
3. HPV (for female students) – protecting against cervical and other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) together with genital warts

Anyone who is unsure about their vaccine status can check with their GP practice to see if they are up to date and fully protected.

Ideally, students should have any vaccines they have missed at least 2 weeks before leaving for university. If that’s not possible, they should arrange to have any missed vaccines as soon as possible with their current GP or their new GP practice if they are moving to a new university.

Also, if you haven’t yet had your first, second or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late. Book an appointment or find your nearest walk-in clinic: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/students-told-to-get-up-to-date-with-vaccinations-ahead-of-freshers-week