Students heading to university this coming September are being encouraged to get vaccinated ahead of Freshers’ Week to protect themselves against life-threatening illnesses.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, first-year and returning students are at an increased risk of developing serious diseases when finding themselves mixing with large groups of other students, such as meningitis, septicaemia and measles.
Doctors recommend that students have their vaccines done at least two weeks before the start of university for the best chance of protection.
Read Next: Liverpool restaurant serving 'best burgers' to close after 'insane rise in costs'
The three vaccines students should get up to date with are:
- MenACWY – protecting against 4 common strains causing meningitis and septicaemia
- MMR – protecting against measles, mumps, rubella
- HPV (for female students) – protecting against cervical and other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) together with genital warts
Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “We know that colleges and universities can be hotspots for the spread of diseases such as meningitis and measles.
“And all students need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Don’t assume it’s just a hangover or freshers’ flu. If you’re poorly make sure a friend knows and stay in touch regularly with friends who are ill. These diseases can progress rapidly so urgent action in getting medical attention is critical – call NHS 111 straight away.”
Both meningitis and septicaemia can develop quickly with symptoms such as a blotchy rash, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints, and vomiting.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that if unchecked, severe cases often result in hospitalisation. Symptoms include fever, dry cough and a red-brown blotchy rash.
Michelle Bresnahan, who founded meningitis awareness charity A Life for a Cure following the sudden death of her son Ryan to MenB, said: ”It’s important to make sure that getting up to date with your vaccinations is on your to-do list as you begin your preparations for university.
“No-one wants to fall ill in the first few months and checking with your GP that you have these 3 vaccines is a quick and easy way to keep yourself safe.”
Anyone unsure about their vaccine status can check with their GP to see if they are up to date and protected.
READ MORE:
Common covid symptom in vaccinated people who test positive
How quickly you can catch covid again amid 'powerful' new BA.5 strain
'I just couldn't see. I was scared for my life': student calls for ban on 'nos'
Ten unlikely foods that may be behind your bloated stomach
Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid shares how she lost 1.5 stone without the gym
