Infectious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and measles can spread easily in universities and colleges. Vaccination offers the best protection against these diseases, which is why it's important to check your vaccines are up to date.
MenACWY
The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps protect against meningococcal disease which causes meningitis and septicaemia. These can be severe and life-threatening diseases. The vaccine protects against four main forms of meningococcal disease but not all, so make sure you know the signs and symptoms of meningitis. Call NHS24 free on 111 if you or one of your friends feel very unwell. Don’t assume it’s a hangover or the flu.
For more information visit meningitis.org
MMR
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Parts of the UK and other countries in Europe are currently seeing an increase in the number of people getting measles, and evidence suggests students are at higher risk. That’s why it’s important to check you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine, preferably at least two weeks before your new semester starts.
HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer and also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections. Most students will have had the HPV vaccine at school but, if not, you may still be able to get it up until the age of 25.
International students
If you’ve moved to Scotland from overseas, make sure you're up to date with the vaccinations offered for free by NHSScotland. You may be able to get additional vaccines that were not available where you lived before.
More information
To find out how you can get these vaccines, as well as any others you may be eligible for, please visit nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents