Vaccines before you head off to university
Moving into halls means meeting hundreds of new people fast, which is exactly how some infections spread. A quick check of your vaccine record now means one less thing on the freshers' to-do list.
Starting university is a big, exciting change, and somewhere between the packing and the paperwork it's easy to overlook your jabs. Health teams strongly encourage new students to make sure they're up to date before term begins, because mixing closely with lots of people from all over the country, and the world, gives certain infections an easy route to spread.
The two that matter most for new students are MenACWY, which protects against several types of meningococcal disease, and the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella. If you missed either as a teenager, or you're simply not sure what you've had, pop into Davyhulme Pharmacy in Urmston and we'll help you work out where you stand and what's worth topping up.
The two vaccines new students are urged to check
These are the jabs most relevant to anyone heading off to university. Our pharmacist will look at your record with you and only recommend what you actually need.
MenACWY
Protects against meningitis and septicaemia caused by four meningococcal groups (A, C, W and Y). New students up to their mid-twenties are particularly encouraged to be covered.
MMR
Two doses give strong protection against measles, mumps and rubella. Mumps and measles can spread quickly in halls, and many young adults turn out to have missed a dose.
Why meningitis matters when you start university
First-year students are at higher risk of meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and blood poisoning, because so many people from different places suddenly live and socialise in close quarters. The illness can come on fast and become very serious, so prevention is well worth it. The MenACWY vaccine covers four groups of the bacteria in a single dose. It's usually offered to teenagers in school, but plenty of people miss it, and new students up to their mid-twenties are encouraged to catch up if they haven't already had it.
Don't forget MMR
Measles and mumps still circulate, and university settings have seen outbreaks because the virus passes so easily between people in shared accommodation and lecture halls. Full protection means two doses of the MMR vaccine, and a surprising number of young adults have only had one, or none. If you're unsure of your history, that's completely fine. Catching up is straightforward, and getting both doses sorted gives you lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella before you move away from home.
Not sure what you've already had?
Most people don't carry their childhood vaccine history in their head, and that's no problem at all. Your GP record is the most reliable source, and it's worth a quick look before you come in, but if you can't lay your hands on it our pharmacist can still talk you through what's typically given and when. Where your records aren't clear, having a vaccine you may already have had is generally considered safe, so we can usually agree a sensible plan together rather than leaving you guessing. We'll keep it relaxed and explain everything as we go.
Quick, local and easy to fit in
We know the run-up to term is hectic, so we've kept this simple. Drop into Davyhulme Pharmacy here in Urmston, or give us a ring on 0161 748 3016, and we'll sort your university vaccinations without a lot of fuss. It's worth coming in a few weeks before you move, which leaves time for any second dose and means you travel up to your new city already protected. If results day crept up on you and time is short, still get in touch and we'll do what we can.
Frequently asked questions
The two most important are MenACWY, which protects against several types of meningococcal disease, and MMR for measles, mumps and rubella. Both are strongly encouraged for new students, especially anyone who missed them as a teenager. Our pharmacist will check your record and tell you what's worth topping up.
If you've already had a MenACWY dose, you're usually covered and won't need another. The catch-up is aimed at people who missed it, which is more common than you'd think. Bring what you know of your vaccine history and we'll confirm where you stand.
Your GP record is the most reliable source, so it's worth checking before your appointment, including through the NHS App if you use it. If you can't track it down, don't worry — our pharmacist can talk you through what's typically given and help you decide on a sensible plan.
Some catch-up vaccinations are available free on the NHS for eligible young adults, while others may be offered privately. We'll be upfront about any cost before anything goes ahead, so call us on 0161 748 3016 or pop in and we'll explain your options clearly.
You'll find us at Davyhulme Pharmacy in Urmston, M41 0SE, close to the town centre with parking nearby. You're welcome to drop in for a chat, though booking ahead or calling 0161 748 3016 first means we can make sure the right person and any stock are ready for you.
This information is grounded in NHS and TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) guidance and is for general information — not a substitute for a personal consultation. Your travel consultation is carried out by our pharmacist.
Heading off to uni soon?
Pop in or call Davyhulme Pharmacy in Urmston on 0161 748 3016 and our pharmacist will check your MenACWY and MMR cover before you go.