Students from Lanarkshire are being encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before returning to college or university this year.
Infectious diseases that can cause meningitis and other serious conditions can spread easily in universities and colleges.
The Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) and MMR vaccines help to protect you 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 than the general population.
The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
The vaccine is offered to young people because meningococcal disease is much more likely to spread within this group.
Meningitis and septicaemia are very serious, life-threatening conditions that get worse very quickly.
It’s also important to check that you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine. This protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).
There is also still time to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, although most students will have received this at school.
It helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer. It also protects against over 90 per cent of genital wart infections.
Dr Henry Prempeh, health protection consultant and immunisation co-ordinator, said: “Vaccines are the best way to ensure you’re protected against very serious infectious diseases like meningococcal disease, measles, mumps, and rubella.
“It’s important for all students to ensure they’re up to date with their free vaccines before returning to college or university.
“It’s also important to know that, while the MenACWY vaccine protects against the four main forms of meningococcal disease, there are other forms.
“That’s why it’s vital to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis – at NHS Inform – as these can come on quickly.
“Call NHS24 free on 111 if you – or one of your friends – feel very unwell. Don’t assume it’s a hangover or the flu.”
To find out how to check your vaccination status, or for more information about vaccines you may be eligible for, visit here.
NHS inform also offers information for international students who may be able to get additional vaccines that were not available where they lived before.
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