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Meningitis is a life-threatening condition, so it’s important that students understand that vaccination is available and know the . Symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all.

Early symptoms can include:

• fever with cold hands and feet
• headaches
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• muscles pain
• stomach cramps.

If a student thinks they or someone they know has these symptoms call NHS 111 or the doctor straight away. If the person concerned becomes seriously ill, then dial 999.

Vaccination against meningitis

The  protects against four types of meningitis and it is free for students from the , The  or from their Doctor (GP). If students are unsure whether they have already had the vaccine, they can contact their Doctor (GP) to find out.

Please still be aware of the symptoms of meningitis, even if they have been vaccinated, as the vaccine doesn't protect against all strains.

Meningitis B (MenB) - 2026 vaccination programme

The UK Government has been offering the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine to anyone under the age of 25 who is starting university for the first time in autumn 2026. The vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart.

If students have not yet had the Men B vaccine, or don’t have time to get the second dose before they come to University, they can contact a pharmacy taking part in the scheme and arrange it, or use the booking scheme . This applies to all students, including international students and Degree Apprentices. We encourage students to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

More information:  

If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, getting immediate medical treatment can be lifesaving. Dial 999 without delay in a medical emergency.

Meningitis Standard

Scabies is an infestation of the skin caused by a parasitic mite. The mites burrow under the top layer of skin and lay eggs. The body’s immune system reacts to the mite’s droppings and saliva, resulting in an immune reaction – which produces intense itching. 

Signs and symptoms:

• Intense itching, especially at night – commonly between fingers and toes, wrists, armpits, inner elbows, groin, and buttocks
• A rash or skin irritation that looks like red or brown bumps, blisters or pimples
• Mite burrows on the skin with a zigzag or “S” pattern

Scabies is transmitted through prolonged or frequent skin-to skin contact with an affected person, for example sharing a household setting, the provisional of personal care or via sexual contact.  Transmission through casual contact, such as a handshake or hug, is unlikely.

Scabies can also spread through contact with the clothes, bedding or towels of someone who has scabies.

A pharmacist can recommend a cream or lotion to effectively treat the symptoms. Affected individuals do not need to exclude from studies or work, but should avoid close physical contact with other people until 24-hours after the first treatment.

If someone has scabies, there are things they and their flatmates can do to reduce the risk of it spreading:

• it is essential that all close contacts (household members and sexual partners) are treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms, to prevent reinfestation.
• wash all bedding and clothing at 60C or higher, and if possible in a hot dryer, on the first day of treatment
• put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for at least 3 days until the mites die
• do not have sex or close physical contact until they have completed the full course of treatment
• do not share bedding, clothing or towels with someone with scabies.

Measles is very infectious, it can cause serious complications and, in rare cases, can be fatal. Measles can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions.  

Measles starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash. If you experience these symptoms, call NHS 111.

The best way to protect yourself against measles is have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. It is never too late to get the vaccine. There are no risks to your health if you get an extra dose.

Young people are strongly advised to check if they had the MMR vaccine. They can check if they have had 2 doses of the vaccine with your Doctor (GP) practice and arrange a catch up now if necessary. If a student suspects they have measles they should stay away from others for at least 4 days after the rash has appeared.

Students should call NHS 111 if they think they might have measles or have been in contact with someone who has had it.

Further information

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can cause painful symptoms.  

Mumps is usually recognised by the painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears. However, more general symptoms often develop a few days before the face swells. These can include:

• Earache
• joint pain
• feeling sick
• dry mouth
• mild abdominal pain
• feeling tired
• loss of appetite
• a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F), or above

The best way to protect against mumps is have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. It is never too late to get the vaccine. There are no risks to health if an extra dose is given.

Anyone with symptoms should stay away from others and not return to university until 5 days after first symptoms. If a student becomes worried about any symptoms, they should contact NHS111 or their doctor (GP).

In a medical emergency, telephone 999. Young people are strongly advised to check if they had the MMR vaccine. They should check if they have had 2 doses of the vaccine with their parents/ guardians and GP practice and arrange a catch up now if necessary.

Students should call NHS 111 if they think they might have mumps or have been in contact with someone who has had it.

The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting , a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).

Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including:

HPV can also cause .

Female students should have been offered 2 doses of HPV vaccine in Year 8 or Year 9 when aged 12 to 13 years at school (S1 in Scotland).

Since September 2023, the HPV vaccination has been offered to male and females at 12/13 years of age, as a single dose.   Students who have received at least one dose of HPV vaccine are considered fully vaccinated.

Any female student who missed their HPV vaccine can catch up before their 25^th birthday by contacting their Doctor (GP) practice to arrange their vaccination.

Male students born from 1 September 2006 are now also being offered HPV vaccine and if they remain unvaccinated, they are similarly eligible up to their 25^th birthday.

Students who are gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men up to 45 years of age are also eligible for the HPV vaccine when they visit a specialist sexual health service (see below) or HIV clinic. Some transgender people are also eligible for the HPV vaccine.

The UKHSA released this information for students, regarding the importance of using condoms -

Local Sexual Health clinics and NHS webpages remain a really good source of information for students

• Devon Sexual Health Support -
• Cornwall Sexual Heath Support -

Don’t assume that all students are fully informed on COVID-19. Signs and symptoms often include:

• a sore throat
• cough
• fever and/or loss of taste and smell
• other symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and cold-like symptoms can occur.

Students need to know how to seek medical advice if they become concerned about their own or someone else’s health and to do this as early as possible.

Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine continue to be offered to those in groups associated with an increased risk of becoming seriously ill.

Find out more about the 2026 vaccination:

Further information on COVID-19:

• Getting medical care as a student -
• COVID Vaccine -
• Flu Vaccination -
• HPV vaccination -
• MMR vaccination -