Student Health Services are encouraging all students who have not already been vaccinated against mumps, measles, rubella and meningitis to contact their GP and arrange to receive a vaccine.
Most students have been vaccinated as part of the UK schools programme. However, if you have not been vaccinated against mumps, measles and rubella, or meningitis, contact your GP and arrange to receive the vaccine.
Not sure if you received the vaccine? Please contact your GP to check.
Mumps, measles and rubella
Mumps cases continue to occur because individuals did not have the opportunity to get natural exposure to mumps as children, or have not had the full course of the MMR vaccination (Measles, Mumps and Rubella).
How do you prevent getting mumps and measles?
- By avoiding close personal contact with a person with these illnesses if you are at risk
- By immunization – There is a safe and effective vaccine that protects against both mumps and measles.
You need to complete the course of two doses of the vaccine and this may be given at any age.
Therefore, it is strongly advised that students who have not previously had TWO doses of the MMR vaccine contact their GP as soon as possible to arrange to have this free vaccination.
Mumps and measles are both highly infectious illnesses caused by viruses that easily spread by close contact with the nose and throat secretions of the infected person. For example, through coughing and sneezing, and also by direct contact with articles that have been contaminated, such as tissues.
As the MMR is a live vaccine, if you have a weakened immune system your GP may recommend you do not receive it. If this affects you, please discuss with your nurse or doctor.
For opening times please look at the Brownlow Health website.
Meningitis
Meningitis is comparatively rare, but it is important to be aware of the symptoms and be prepared to take urgent action whenever it is suspected, as it can develop suddenly and progress rapidly.
Early symptoms you should be aware of include: severe diarrhoea and vomiting, headache, muscle pain, fever, cold hands and feet.
Students should be alert to the signs and symptoms and should not wait for a rash to develop before seeking medical attention urgently. Students are also encouraged to look out for their friends, particularly if they go to their room unwell.
All first year students receive a small wallet card with this information at the start of the academic year. If you need a replacement, please ask at your Hall or at Student Health, alternatively go to Meningitis Now.
A free Meningitis ACWY Vaccination / Meningitis Booster is available for any unprotected individual under 25 years of age.
Brownlow Health registered patients can drop in to receive the vaccine at:
- Student Health – Peach Street, Liverpool L69 7ZL
- Brownlow – 70 Pembroke Place, Liverpool L69 3GF
- SHAC – Carnatic Halls of Residence
Vaccinations are also available at other GP surgeries if you are registered elsewhere.
Further information is available from:
University of Liverpool
Student Health Service
Student Services Centre
0151 285 4578
www.brownlowhealth.org
www.twitter.com/brownlowhealth
www.facebook.com/brownlowhealth