The beginning of the academic year brings increased interaction between large numbers of people and vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Students are encouraged to get the MenACWY and MenB vaccines if they have not already done so. These vaccines help protect against serious infections, including meningitis.
Vaccination takes time to provide protection, so receiving it before the start of term can help ensure students are protected as they begin university life. You can book a MenB vaccination appointment on the NHS website.
On-campus vaccination clinic
The NHS Roving Healthcare Unit (RHU) will be visiting campus on 22 and 23 September, offering students and staff the opportunity to check they are up to date with recommended vaccinations and receive catch-up vaccines where eligible.
The RHU clinical team will provide a range of vaccinations, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccines, with other vaccinations potentially available depending on individual eligibility. The unit will be located outside Loughborough Students’ Union and will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days.
Why vaccination matters at university
University is an exciting time to meet new people, make friends and experience new opportunities. However, living and socialising in close-contact environments can also increase the risk of infectious diseases spreading. By ensuring your vaccinations are up to date, you can:
- protect your own health;
- reduce the risk of serious illness;
- help prevent outbreaks within the university community;
- support the health and wellbeing of friends, housemates and fellow students.
While the MenB vaccine provides protection against most meningococcal B strains, it does not protect against every cause of meningitis and septicaemia. This makes awareness of the symptoms especially important.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek urgent medical advice. Symptoms can appear in any order and may include:
- High temperature
- Cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Rapid breathing
- Muscle and joint pain
- Pale, mottled or blotchy skin (which may be harder to recognise on Brown or Black skin)
- Spots or a rash (which may be harder to recognise on Brown or Black skin)
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Seizures (fits)
More information about meningitis can be found on the NHS website.