Meningitis
New students are considered to be particularly at risk of meningitis and septicaemia (also called sepsis or blood poisoning). Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.
You are strongly encouraged to speak to your doctor about having the Men ACWY vaccine a few weeks before the start of term, or as soon as possible. International students and those not offered the vaccine by their GP (general doctor) should request it when registering with a GP, which you should do as soon as you arrive at University.
Find out about the Men ACWY vaccine
MMR
MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses – measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) – in a single injection. These are highly infectious diseases which can have serious complications. The full course of MMR vaccination requires two doses.
Find out about the MMR vaccine
Influenza/flu
The NHS are providing the flu vaccine (influenza) to more people this year, including those living with someone who is at high risk from coronavirus. If you are eligible, we encourage you to take it.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Many young adults will have received the HPV vaccine at school. The HPV vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart. It protects against types of HPV which have been linked to risks of different types of cancers, and genital warts.
If you didn't receive it at school, you may be eligible if:
- You are female and were born after 1 September 1991
- You are male and you were born after 1 September 2006
- You are a man who is gay, bisexual, or have sex with other men (MSM) and are aged 45 or under
Trans women (people who were assigned male at birth) are eligible in the same way as MSM if their risk of getting HPV is similar to the risk of MSM who are eligible for the HPV vaccine. Trans men (people who were assigned female at birth) are eligible if they have sex with other men and are aged 45 or under.
Find out about the HPV vaccine
Monkeypox
A smallpox vaccination is being offered to people who are most at risk to help protect them against monkeypox. This includes:
- Some healthcare workers
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men at highest risk of exposure
- Peoplewho have already had close contact with a patient with confirmed monkeypox
Some sexual health services will be contacting those men that are likely to be at highest risk, others may offer the vaccine alongside other appointments. It may also be offered by relevant employers for healthcare workers. You can visit NHS.uk to find your local clinic or call 111 for advice. It is free to eligible groups. Find out more from the UK government.