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If you are able, please make sure you have had all your free NHS vaccinations. They help protect you from serious illnesses like meningitis, measles, and more.

At university, you will meet lots of new people and share spaces, this makes it easier for illnesses to spread, even from people who do not know they are unwell.

You should be up to date with:

• Meningitis ACWY – protects against four types of meningitis and blood poisoning.
  You can also pay for the MenB vaccine for extra protection.
• MMR – protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• HPV – helps prevent some cancers and genital warts.

You might also consider a vaccination for meningococcal group B (MenB). You can only get this vaccination privately at certain pharmacies or travel clinics, unless you have certain chronic conditions.

If you are not sure what vaccines you’ve had, ask your doctor or check your health records. You can also find more info from the UK Health Security Agency.

NHS Healthcare at University

The NHS gives free healthcare to UK students and international students. Visit the Student Hub to learn:

• How to register with a doctor
• What healthcare you can get
• More about vaccines

Know the Signs of Meningitis and Blood Poisoning

Even with vaccines, it’s important to spot the signs early. It could save a life.

Watch out for:

• Fever or vomiting
• Bad headache
• Aching muscles or joints, stiff neck
• Cold hands and feet, shivering
• Pale or blotchy skin, rash
• Fast breathing
• Sensitivity to light, seizures
• Feeling very tired, confused, or hard to wake up

People may not get all these symptoms, and they can come in any order. If you or a friend feel very unwell and it is getting worse quickly, call 999 straight away.

Look out for each other and speak up if something does not feel right.