It’s important to look after your health. Given the current coronavirus pandemic, vaccinations which protect against measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, and flu are more important than ever in helping to protect yourself and our community.
The following vaccinations are recommended for university students:
- Meningococcal ACWY (Meningitis ACWY) immunisation
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunisation
- Flu vaccination (for certain at-risk groups)
Meningitis ACWY vaccination
Meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are rare but life-threatening diseases. Students going away to university for the first time are at high risk in the first weeks of term as you’re likely to come into contact with many new people.
The MenACWY vaccine protects against 4 different causes of meningitis and septicaemia: meningococcal (Men) A, C, W and Y diseases. It replaces the separate Hib/MenC vaccine.
A free MenACWY vaccination is available for any unprotected individual under 25 years of age.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious conditions that can have serious and potentially fatal complications.
The MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine that protects against all three separate illnesses. It is administered in a single injection, requiring two doses at least 4 weeks apart. You are likely to have received one MMR immunisation as a child but may not have had the second booster.
it is strongly advised that students who have not previously had TWO doses of the MMR vaccine, or who are not sure, contact their GP as soon as possible to arrange to have the free vaccination.
Flu jab – for those with underlying health conditions
You should get an annual flu vaccination if you have asthma and take inhaled steroids, or if you have a serious long-term condition that may put you at risk of developing complications such as pneumonia.
Anyone living with someone who is at high risk from coronavirus should also have a flu vaccination.
How to get vaccinations
Widespread vaccination protects, not just the individual, but also those who are unable to receive the vaccine because of a weakened immune system, by reducing the spread of the conditions.
If you have not been vaccinated against mumps, measles and rubella, or meningitis, or you are not sure, it is important you contact your GP and arrange to receive the vaccines, ideally BEFORE you arrive at Uuniversity. The flu vaccine is available through your GP surgery or a pharmacy offering the service.
If you haven’t registered with a GP in Liverpool yet, make sure you contact Brownlow Health or your local GP online or by telephone as soon as possible. If you are eligible, you will be able to have the vaccinations free of charge.