Health officials are advising students to ensure their childhood vaccinations are up to date before the new academic year begins. Public Health Wales warns that universities can be breeding grounds for serious infections, but being vaccinated against illnesses like meningitis, septicaemia, and measles can greatly reduce the risk of severe illness.
Dr. Chris Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme for Public Health Wales, emphasizes the importance of vaccines in preventing the spread of serious diseases. He urges all students to get vaccinated before they start university or as soon as they arrive on campus, as the close living quarters in universities can lead to fast-spreading infections.
Students are encouraged to check their vaccination status by contacting their GP or local health board child health team to confirm their vaccination history and receive any missed doses. It is also recommended that all students, new and returning, register with a local GP to ensure access to medical care, including vaccinations, while at university.
Many young people may not be aware of their vaccination history, so it is crucial for students to ensure they are protected in order to fully enjoy their university experience. The NHS in Wales provides free vaccines throughout childhood to protect against various diseases, and for students, it is particularly important to be up to date with certain vaccines.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, requires two doses for full protection. The MenACWY vaccine offers protection against four types of meningococcal disease with just one dose, and young people are eligible for this vaccine until their 25th birthday. The HPV vaccine protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts, and young people can receive this vaccine up until their 25th birthday as well. The 3-in-1, Td/IPV booster vaccine guards against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio, and young people should have received five doses of this vaccine throughout childhood.
To learn more about key vaccinations and other vaccines that students may be eligible for, visit the Public Health Wales website. By ensuring that their vaccinations are up to date, students can protect themselves and others from serious illnesses and focus on their studies and social experiences at university.