Vaccination information for students

Universities can be hot spots for a variety of diseases and present the perfect opportunity for infection to spread. Measles, mumps, meningococcal disease, Covid-19 and the flu are some infections that can have a major impact on students and staff and can cause disruption in the university. 

Vaccine information

It is highly recommended to make sure, as a new or current student, you are up to date with the following free routine NHS vaccines: 

  • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine  
  • MenACWY vaccine (protecting against 4 types of meningococcal disease)  
  • HPV vaccine for female students, protecting against cervical and other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) together with genital warts * 
  • HPV vaccine for male students who would be routinely eligible if born on or after 1 September 2006  
  • Td/IPV booster vaccine protecting against diphtheria, tetanus and polio.

(*Students who are gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are also eligible for HPV vaccine when they visit a specialist sexual health service or HIV clinic up to 45 years of age.) 

Check with your parents, care giver or GP practice if you are unsure if you have had these vaccines. If you have missed any, it is highly recommended to arrange to have them before starting university. If that’s not possible then you should arrange to have them done with your new GP as soon as possible. International students are also eligible for these vaccines. These vaccines should be available at most GP surgeries. 

Register with a doctor

If you suspect you may have any symptoms of the conditions these vaccines cover you can check your symptoms here: Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111 or call 111. 

If you need immediate medical attention, call 999 or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency. 

Further information on diseases and infections the vaccines can protect against

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.   

Check for symptoms of measles, mumps and rubella and what to do if you suspect you may have them: 

Typically, two doses of the MMR vaccine are offered before starting primary school. You can have this vaccine as and adult if you have not already had it. The two doses gives you long term protection and can protect people who cannot be vaccinated.  

Further information

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS 

MenACWY vaccine (meningococcal disease)

The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal disease that can cause meningitis and septicaemia, both can trigger sepsis. All of these can be fatal or cause life-changing disabilities.  

The vaccine is usually given in secondary school, but the vaccine is available to anyone up to their 25 birthday and those at increased risk of getting meningitis. It is advised to have the vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to starting university. 

It is important to recognise symptoms of meningitis and sepsis as these are life threatening and the vaccine may not protect against all types of the disease: 

If you suspect you have either of these getting immediate medical treatment can be life-saving. Dial 999 without delay in a medical emergency or call Campus Safety on 01483 683333  or 3333 if you are on Campus.

Further information

MenACWY - NHS

HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes most cervical cancers and cancers that affect both boys and girls. It also offers protection against the most common genital warts caused by HPV. HPV is typically spread through skin-to-skin contact (usually when having sex).  

Further information about HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) - NHS

Female students should have been offered 2 doses of the HPV vaccine in secondary school. From September 2023, all eligible students will now be offered a single dose and those who have already received one dose will be considered fully vaccinated. 

Female students who have missed the HPV vaccine can still receive this before their 25 birthday. 

Male students born after 1 September 2006 are now also being offered the HPV vaccine and are eligible to receive this before their 25 birthday also. 

Students who are gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men up to 45 years of age are also eligible for HPV vaccine when they visit a specialist sexual health service or HIV clinic. Some transgender people are also eligible for the HPV vaccine. 

Further information

HPV vaccine - NHS

Td/IPV vaccine

The Td/IPV vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and polio. Although rare, these can be fatal and life-threatening conditions/infections. 

This vaccine is typically offered during secondary school for those at higher risk of the above illnesses. If you missed this vaccine, you can check with your GP about receiving it. 

Further information

Td/IPV vaccine (3-in-1 teenage booster) - NHS

Vaccines for students in at-risk categories

Students with underlying conditions that put them at higher risk from certain infections should be aware of their risk status and ensure they keep up to date with vaccines they are eligible for. This includes the winter flu and autumn COVID-19 vaccines. 

Further information

Reducing the spread of infections

To reduce the spread of infections you can follow NHS advice by:  

  • Making sure you have your vaccines if eligible  
  • Letting fresh air in if meeting others indoors  
  • Washing your hands regularly especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food  
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes.

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