Prepare yourself for life on campus: The vaccines you need before heading to college or university

With the summer holidays winding down, Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland, writes in our latest blog about the importance of making sure students are up to date with their vaccinations before heading to college or university. 

Beyond getting your laptop ready and familiarising yourself with your new timetable, there’s an essential item that should be at the top of your to-do list: ensuring you’re up to date with your free vaccinations. Making sure you’ve received the MMR, MenACWY and HPV vaccines before heading to college or university is important to keep yourself safe and protect those around you from serious diseases.

Why it’s important for students to be vaccinated

Shared accommodation, large gatherings, and close contact make college and university settings ideal environments for the spread of infectious diseases. Staying on top of your vaccines is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill from diseases like measles and meningitis.

Did you know, students are more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease (the leading cause of meningitis) compared to the general population?

Key vaccines to check before heading to campus

MenACWY vaccine

Meningitis and septicaemia (blood-poisoning) are life-threatening diseases caused by meningococcal bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine, which is offered in third year of secondary school in Scotland, provides protection against four strains of this bacteria and significantly reduces your risk of becoming ill.

MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can spread easily in college and university settings and can lead to serious complications.

HPV vaccine

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is spread by intimate sexual contact and can lead to several types of cancers including head, neck, cervical and penile. The HPV vaccine is critical in helping to prevent these cancers now and in the future. This is offered to secondary school pupils in Scotland in first year. If you have not yet had the HPV vaccine, you may still be able to get it. More information on this offer can be found on NHS inform.

How to get vaccinated

If you're unsure about your vaccination status, contact your GP practice to find out if you're up to date with all your recommended vaccines. You can contact your local immunisation team to arrange an appointment for any vaccinations you have missed.

International students
If you’re an international student studying in Scotland, you may be able to get free vaccines that are not available in your home country. For more information on healthcare for international students visit NHS inform.

By staying up to date with your vaccines, you’re not just protecting yourself - you’re helping to create a safer environment for everyone on campus. So, before you dive into lectures and late-night study sessions, make your health a priority.