MenB vaccine: check if you’re eligible

Some students are eligible for a free MenB vaccine in 2026. This protects against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause serious meningitis and sepsis.

You may be eligible if you’re:

• starting an undergraduate degree at university for the first time this autumn

• born after 21st July 2001

If so, you’ll need 2 doses, at least 28 days apart. Check the NHS website for full details and take up the offer if it applies to you. You can book your vaccine via the NHS website at the pharmacy on campus. 

Freshers’ flu and staying well

‘Freshers’ flu’ is a mix of common cold viruses that spread quickly when lots of people start mixing at university. It’s unpleasant but usually not serious.

To reduce the spread of illness:

• wash your hands often

• use tissues for coughs and sneezes, and bin them straight away

• open windows for fresh air

If you feel unwell — especially with a temperature, cough or sneezing fits — avoid close contact until you’re better. For vomiting or diarrhoea, stay off campus and avoid preparing food for 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Looking after yourself

Rest, keep warm, drink plenty of water, and consider over‑the‑counter medicines like ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease symptoms.

Meningitis: know the signs

Early meningitis can look like freshers’ flu or even a hangover, but symptoms usually get worse quickly. Common symptoms include:

• high temperature

• very cold hands and feet

• stiff neck

• severe worsening headache

• joint or muscle pain

• eye pain in bright light

• vomiting or diarrhoea

• confusion or extreme sleepiness

• seizures

• a rash that doesn’t fade under a glass (may be harder to see on brown or Black skin)

Meningitis and sepsis can occur together. Act fast if you’re worried.

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you think you or someone else could have meningitis or sepsis. Don’t wait for all symptoms to appear.

Why do so many students get ill?

Lots of new people mixing closely makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread.

Other vaccinations to check

Make sure you’ve had:

• MMR (2 doses) – protects against measles, mumps and rubella

• MenACWY (1 dose) – protects against four meningitis strains

• HPV (1 dose) – protects against high‑risk HPV strains linked to several cancers

• Td/IPV booster – protects against tetanus, diphtheria and polio

Register with a GP

You can register with the GP on campus.

During busy periods, such as the start of university term time, it can take 2 working days or more for your registration to be processed. They will not be able to treat you, or provide any services until your registration has been added to our system.

It is important therefore that you register as soon as possible when starting university to avoid a delay in the event that you need to get treatment urgently.

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