Vaccinations

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

Measles is an infection that spreads easily. It’s unpleasant, and can sometimes have serious complications. The first symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you’ve been infected and can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature, aches and pains, lack of energy, and loss of appetite. The rash appears 2-4 days after initial symptoms and is usually made up of small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may join together into larger blotchy patches.

Mumps is a highly infectious serious illness caused by a virus. It usually starts with fever and headache for a day or two. In most cases this is followed by swelling and soreness of the glands between the ear and the jaw. Men can get swollen, painful testicles and women can get swollen, painful ovaries. Ear infections, swelling of the pancreas and meningitis can also result. Mumps is usually more severe in adults than in young children. The time from becoming infected to becoming unwell is around 14-21 days, and people with mumps are most infectious just before they become unwell and for 5-10 days afterwards.

Rubella (German Measles) is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash. It will usually start on the face or behind the ears, before spreading to the neck and body. The rash will appear 2-3 weeks after infection and other symptoms can include aching fingers, wrists or knees, a high temperature, coughs, headache, sore eyes, and sneezing and a runny nose. Rubella can be serious if you get it while pregnant.

It is important to make sure you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully covered.

Meningitis ACWY

Meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are rare but life-threatening diseases. They are caused by several groups of meningococcal bacteria, the most common being A, B, C, W and Y. Young people have the highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease, as well as children and babies.

The meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia. Students starting University for the first time are at an increased risk of MenACWY disease because they are more likely to stay in halls of residence and have more close contact with new students, particularly during the first few weeks of term.

It is important that you are immunised at least two weeks before you attend university or college to make sure your immunity has fully built up.

If you did not get immunised before starting your studies you can register with a new GP practice if you’re not already registered and arrange to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Spotting the common signs of meningitis:

• A blotchy rash which doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it
• A high temperature
• Being sick
• A stiff neck
• Severe headache

If you or anyone you know develops symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

• Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department
• Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if you're not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis

Meningitis can come on suddenly, progress quickly, and can be dangerous.

The video from Meningitis Now explains the signs and symptoms in more detail.

Meningitis B

A new Meningitis B vaccination programme launched in summer 2026 to help protect students and young people at higher risk.

If you're eligible, please take up the offer of the MenB vaccine and make sure you get both doses for full protection. Even if you've had the MenACWY vaccine, you can still be at risk from MenB.

The MenB vaccine is offered to:

• Young people born between 1 March 2008 and 28 February 2009, and any others who were in S6 during the 2025-26 academic year
• Undergraduate university entrants under the age of 25 who are starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27, including international students
• College entrants under 25 starting for the first time in the academic year 2026-27 while living away from home in shared student accommodation, including international students

You will need two doses for full protection. Please check NHS inform website on how to get the MenB vaccine.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The HPV virus can lead to several related cancers including head, neck, and cervical; the vaccine which has been developed can also protect against over 90% of genital warts.

If you did not receive the HPV vaccine at secondary school, you may still be able to get it.

You will be eligible if;

• You were assigned female at birth and are under 25
• You were assigned male at birth and started secondary school during or after the 2019/2020 academic year
• You were assigned male at birth, have sex with men, and are aged up to and including 45 years old

Men who have sex with other men are offered the vaccine because they are known to have a higher risk of HPV infection due to not being protected by the girls’ HPV programme.