Freshers students have been warned to add vaccinations to their to-do list before heading to university this year.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged incoming students to check that they are up to date on their jabs in order to protect themselves against a number of life-threatening illnesses.
As we approach Freshers’ Week, students across the UK and overseas will be inevitably mixing for new events and classes ahead of a new academic year.
The UKHSA said that there are three vaccines that students should check with their GP practice that they have had or need to get.
What vaccines should students get before going to university?
- MenACWY: to protect against the four common strains that cause meningitis and septicaemia
- MMR: to protect against measles, mumps and rubella
- HPV: to protect against cervical and other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and genital warts.
Meningitis charities have also joined the call with a reminder to students that the disease can have similar symptoms to a bad hangover in its early stages.
When do I need to get my Meningitis vaccine before going to university?
Ideally, students should ideally have any of their missed vaccines at least two weeks before leaving for their studies.
However, the UKHSA has advised that they should otherwise arrange to have them as soon as possible.
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the agency, said: “We know that colleges and universities can be hotspots for the spread of diseases such as meningitis and measles.
“At the top of any list of essential things to get for college should be any missed vaccines – it could save your life. If unsure check with your GP to make sure that you are up to date with the MenACWY, MMR and HPV vaccinations before term starts.
“And all students need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Don’t assume it’s just a hangover or freshers’ flu.
“If you’re poorly make sure a friend knows and stay in touch regularly with friends who are ill. These diseases can progress rapidly so urgent action in getting medical attention is critical – call NHS 111 straight away.”
Meningitis and Septicaemia symptoms for university students to look out for
The NHS has rounded up the following symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia and meningococcal disease that you should look out for:
- a high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- confusion
- breathing quickly
- muscle and joint pain
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin
- spots or a rash
- headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- fits (seizures)
It is important to note that in the early stages, there may not be a rash or it might fade when put under pressure.
The national health service has added that you should trust your instincts, seek medical help immediately if you are concerned and not wait for a rash to develop.
Claire Wright, from the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and is difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or more common milder illnesses in the early stages.
“By taking up the free MenACWY vaccine, school leavers are not only protecting themselves but also protecting others by stopping the bacteria from being passed on.
“For those who have already been vaccinated, it remains important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most common cause of life-threatening meningitis amongst this age group.”
For more guidance and information, visit the NHS website.
Measles symptoms to look out for
These are the first symptoms of Measles that you should keep an eye out for, according to the NHS:
- a high temperature
- a runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- a cough
- red, sore, watery eyes
Generally, Measles is said to be more severe in teenagers and young adults and can often lead to hospital admissions.
It begins with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes, followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash, the UKHSA said.
For more information, guidance and advice, visit the NHS website.
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