Vaccinations before and at university

Halls, lecture theatres and freshers' events bring thousands of people together from all over the world, which is exactly how some infections spread. Checking your vaccinations is one of the simplest things you can do before you go.

Why students are a special case

• UKHSA (2022) urged students to get up to date before freshers' week, highlighting MenACWY (meningitis and septicaemia), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and, for female students, HPV.
• Meningitis can develop suddenly. UKHSA lists symptoms including a rash that does not fade under pressure, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck; the MenW strain can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
• A UKHSA doctor warned students: 'Don't assume it's just a hangover or freshers' flu.' UKHSA says anyone who becomes unwell should call NHS 111 straight away. In an emergency call 999.
• Look out for flatmates too. Someone who is very unwell and sleepy in their room needs checking on, not leaving alone.

MenACWY

• The NHS says MenACWY is usually given at age 13 or 14 at school, and if you missed it you can still get it up to age 25.
• If you are under 25 and have not had it, the NHS says ideally have it at least 2 weeks before starting university or college.
• If you have already started, get it as soon as possible from your campus health centre or a GP (you may need to register first).
• Most people need only 1 dose. MenACWY does not protect against MenB, so you still need to know the symptoms.

MMR

• The NHS says you need 2 doses of MMR for full protection, at least 1 month apart.
• After 2 doses, the NHS says about 99 per cent of people are protected against measles and rubella and about 88 per cent against mumps.
• Teenagers and young adults are a priority group for catch-up MMR, according to the NHS. If you are not sure you had both doses, ask your doctor.
• MMR and MenACWY can be given at the same time, according to the NHS MenACWY page.

If you are going to the US

• The CDC recommends a MenACWY booster at age 16 for teens who had their first dose before their 16th birthday.
• The CDC notes that many colleges require proof of MenACWY vaccination within 5 years before starting.
• The CDC also says teens may consider a MenB vaccine, preferably at 16 to 18 years old.
• Each college sets its own list of required vaccines and deadlines. Find your college's immunisation page and upload records early.

Getting your records in order

• Ask your school nurse, family doctor or parent for your vaccination record. In the UAE, your childhood vaccinations may be in your family's records or health app; ask your doctor which ones you have had.
• Get a copy in English with dates for each dose, and save it as a PDF with your medical record.
• Compare it with the requirements of your university or country, then book any missing doses with your home doctor in the summer.
• If you have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous vaccine, tell the person giving any vaccine. The NHS says you should not have MenACWY if you had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or its ingredients.