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Vaccinations for students

On this page we highlight specific vaccinations you should consider as a student in the UK based on information provided by the National Health Service (NHS).

This list does not cover every vaccine - for full information on vaccines please see the NHS vaccinations page.

Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare infection - there has recently been an increase in cases in the UK, but the risk of catching it is low.

Anyone can get monkeypox. However, many recent cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men, so it's particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you're in these groups.

Monkeypox is not an STI, however it can be passed on through sex. Monkeypox is being vaccinated against at sexual health clinics.

Find out more on the NHS website.

Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccinations are now available in the UK for anyone aged 5 years old or over.

Anybody aged 18 or over in the UK is eligible for the vaccine for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

Get vaccinations free of charge at local sites run by GPs, community pharmacies, larger vaccination centres, walk-in sites and in some hospitals.

Get a booster vaccination if you are 16 or over.

Coronavirus tests are no longer free for most people. Find out who can get a free NHS COVID-19 test.

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.

It protects against 3 serious illnesses:

  • measles
  • mumps
  • rubella (german measles)

The NHS state that anyone who has not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine should ask their GP surgery for a vaccination appointment. It's important to check you've had both doses if you are about to start college or university.

Find out more about the MMR vaccine

MenACWY

The NHS recommend that students going to university for the first time should make sure they've had the MenACWY vaccine to prevent meningitis and septicaemia.

If it’s not possible to get one before you start, it’s important to have it as soon as you can after you begin university.

Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.

Find out more the MenACWY vaccine

HPV

The HPV vaccine helps protect against cancers caused by HPV, including:

  • cervical cancer
  • some mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers
  • some cancers of the anal and genital areas

It also helps protect against genital warts.

In England, children 12 to 13 years are routinely offered the 1st HPV vaccination when they're in school Year 8. The 2nd dose is offered 6 to 24 months after the 1st dose.

It's important to have both doses of the vaccine to be properly protected.

If you’re eligible and miss the HPV vaccine offered in Year 8 at school, it’s available for free on the NHS up until your 25th birthday for:

  • those assigned female at birth born after 1 September 1991
  • those assigned male at birth born after 1 September 2006

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