University Vaccinations for Students: What Your Child May Benefit From Before Starting University

Health considerations for Henley & Reading students heading to university

If your child is preparing to start university, it can be helpful to review their vaccination history before they leave home.

University life can increase exposure to certain infections due to close living arrangements and shared accommodation. For this reason, some parents choose to review and top up vaccinations where appropriate before students begin their studies.

This article outlines the vaccines commonly considered, and why they may be relevant.

Why university students may be at higher risk of infection

Students living in university accommodation are more likely to be exposed to infections because:

• They live in close contact with many other people

• They share kitchens, bathrooms, and social spaces

• They are mixing with large, diverse groups for the first time

• Early symptoms of illness are sometimes overlooked

• There may be delays in seeking medical advice

This environment can increase the spread of infections such as meningitis, mumps, measles, and influenza.

Vaccines that may be considered before university

Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY)

This vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal disease (A, C, W, and Y), which can cause meningitis and sepsis, which can be life threatening.  It is often discussed in relation to university entry because cases, although rare, can occur in student populations.

Whilst many UK children will have had this vaccine in school year 9 (age 13–14), immunity wanes over time. There is no published data on how long the immunity is expected to last, but the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) agreed that, for those at continued risk, boosting every five years would be a sensible approach.  

Therefore, for greater confidence in protection, some parents choose to give their child a booster dose of Men ACWY vaccine before starting university.

Meningitis B (MenB)

The MenB vaccine protects against the most common strain of meningococcal disease in the UK.

Whilst it is part of the infant vaccination schedule, this only provides protection whilst the children are young and the NHS do not routinely offer it again in adolescence unless clinically indicated.

Many parents choose to protect children ahead of starting university. 

Two vaccine brands are available:  Trumenba requires two doses, the second 6 months after the first, and Bexsero requires two doses, the second 1 month after the first. Immune responses develop after the second dose, so parents should plan ahead to ensure the course is complete before their child starts university. 

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Measles and mumps outbreaks can still occur in university settings.  In young adults particularly, the illness can be severe and potentially life threatening.

Most children will be fully immunised from their childhood vaccinations.  But it’s worth checking their vaccination status to be sure they are protected.

HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against certain cancers linked to human papillomavirus.  Since 2008 for girls, and 2019 for boys, it has been offered routinely to children in school year 8 (typically age 12–13). 

For any child or young adult that hasn’t had the vaccine, this is something parents may wish to consider.

Flu and Covid vaccinations

Flu and Covid can spread easily in close-living environments such as university accommodation and can make students very ill for a week or more during term time. Some parents choose for their child to have the annual flu and/or covid vaccines each autumn, particularly if they have an underlying health condition or simply want to reduce the risk of missing lectures or exams due to illness.

Other health preparation for university students

Vaccinations are only one part of preparing for independent living. It can also be helpful for students to understand how to look after their health.

Recognising when to seek medical advice

Students should be aware of symptoms that should not be ignored, such as:

• Severe headache with neck stiffness

• High fever that is not improving

• Rash that does not fade when pressed

• Persistent vomiting or dehydration

• Rapid worsening of symptoms

Encouraging early help-seeking

One common issue in student populations is delayed presentation. Students may assume symptoms will pass on their own.

It is helpful for them to know:

• When to contact NHS 111 or a GP

• When to seek urgent or emergency care

• When to inform university support services

Practical preparation

Before starting university, it may also help to ensure students have:

• Access to their NHS number

• Knowledge of how to register with a local GP

• Basic understanding of how to access healthcare away from home

University vaccinations in Reading and Henley

At The Maxwell Practice, we offer private GP appointments in Reading and Henley for families who would like to review vaccination history and discuss whether any updates may be appropriate before university.

Book a consultation or vaccination

If you would like advice on vaccinations for your child before they head off to university, you can book a vaccine consultation with a GP in Reading or Henley for a full review and discussion. If you already know the vaccines you wish to have, you can call us to book your vaccination appointment.

Learn more about the vaccines we offer here. Vaccines are available in our Reading clinic and our Henley clinic.