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The UK Health Security Agency urges all students to be up-to-date with their vaccines before starting university
Posted on behalf of: Student Communications
Last updated: Friday, 1 September 2023
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and leading meningitis charities are urging students to ensure they are up to date with all free routine NHS vaccines before the start of the academic year.
Students who are not up to date with all their childhood and adolescent vaccines are at increased risk of serious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning), and measles as they mix with large numbers of new people, some of whom might be unknowingly carrying the disease and spreading it.
The three vaccines you should be up to date with before coming to Sussex include:
- Meningitis ACWY– protecting against 4 common strains causing meningitis and septicaemia (A, C,W and Y). Additionally, MenB vaccines, which protect against meningococcal group B, can be purchased privately.
- MMR – protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella
- HPV – protecting against human papilloma virus (HPV) related cancers such as cervical cancer and other cancers of the head, neck and genital areas, and genital warts.
Speak with your doctor to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date or if you have any queries about the vaccines.
You should also learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia even if you’ve been vaccinated, as it could help save a life:
- fever and/or vomiting
- severe headache
- limb, joint, muscle pain, stiff neck
- cold hands and feet, shivering
- pale or mortified skin, or rash
- breathing fast, breathless
- dislike of bright lights, seizures (fits)
- very sleepy, difficult to wake, vacant, confused or delirious
Not everyone has all these symptoms, and they can appear in any order. Tell your friends if you're not feeling well and look after each other.
If you or a friend are ill and getting worse quickly, call 999 for a medical emergency. If not treated promptly, meningitis can be very serious.
The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare for UK residents and some, but not all, overseas visitors. Check the Student Hub for more information on: