Time for students to check vaccines are up to date ahead of new academic year

Students in the Western Isles are encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before heading to college or university this year.

Infectious diseases such as meningitis and measles can spread easily in universities and colleges. The Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) and Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines offer the best protection against these very serious diseases, which is why it's important to check that your vaccines are up to date.

Students are at higher risk of developing invasive meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis, than the general population. The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which are serious. In some cases, these can become life threatening conditions that can get worse very quickly. 

With countries across the world continuing to see an increase in the number of people getting measles, it’s also important to check you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine.

There’s also still time to get the HPV vaccine, although most students will have received this at school. If you haven’t received the HPV vaccine, you may still be able to get vaccinated until you turn 25. It helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer. It also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections.

It’s recommended that you get vaccinated at least two weeks before your new semester starts.

Gordon Jamieson, Chief Executive, NHS Western Isles, said:“Vaccines are the best way to ensure you’re protected against infectious diseases like meningitis and measles which can spread easily in college and university communities. These vaccines are available for free from the NHS in Scotland."

If you’ve missed any of your vaccines, please contact the local NHS immunisation team to arrange an appointment by phoning 0808 196 8383 or emailing wi.vaccination@nhs.scot.