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Are you vaccinated? Students urged to check if they have had MMR and Meningitis vaccinations

8 June 2016

UCL Student Support and Wellbeing is reminding students to check if they have had their key vaccinations and to remain vigilant to the symptoms of serious illnesses.

Participants needed for a 10-minute web-based vaccination study

Students can be more vulnerable to illness as they are often living closely in student residences and mixing with lots of new people.

Public Health England advises all students to have the MMR and Meningitis vaccinations.

MMR Vaccine

MMR is a combined vaccine that protects against three separate illnesses - measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). According to Public Health England, there has been a recent increase in cases of measles amongst university students in the UK.

What are measles?

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and can sometimes lead to serious complications. It's now uncommon in the UK because of the effective MMR vaccination programme.

It's never too late to have the vaccine. Students who have not received two doses of the vaccine in the past - or those who are unsure - should speak to their GP. There's no harm in receiving an additional dose if there is any uncertainty.

What are the symptoms?

According to the NHS, symptoms can include:

  • a runny or blocked nose
  • sneezing
  • watery eyes
  • swollen eyelids
  • sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
  • a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
  • small greyish-white spots in the mouth
  • aches and pains
  • a cough
  • loss of appetite
  • tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy.

What should I do if I suspect that I have measles?

Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention, but phone ahead before visiting GP surgeries so arrangements can be made to prevent others from being infected.

Those who have been in close contact with someone who has measles should also see their GP, if they have not been fully vaccinated (had two doses of the MMR vaccine) or haven't had the infection before - particularly those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant or infants.

You can also call NHS 111 for advice.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is very serious, can develop quickly and, in some cases, can be fatal.

All university students (under 25 years) should be immunised against Meningitis (ACWY). All first year undergraduates are now advised to have a Meningitis (ACWY) booster if they were less than 10 years of age when they received their first Meningitis C injection. If you have not had the vaccination, or if you are unsure, speak to your GP.

No vaccine protects against all types of meningitis, so it is important to remain vigilant and aware of the symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

As the early symptoms of meningitis can disguise themselves as other things, such as common illnesses like flu, or maybe a hangover, it's easy to mistake meningitis for something else.

A classic symptom of meningitis is a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it, but this symptom does not always appear. According to the NHS, further symptoms can include:

  • a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F)
  • feeling and being sick
  • irritability and a lack of energy
  • a headache
  • aching muscles and joints
  • breathing quickly
  • cold hands and feet
  • pale, mottled skin
  • a stiff neck
  • confusion
  • a dislike of bright lights
  • drowsiness
  • fits (seizures) .

These symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone will get all of them.

What should I do if I suspect I have meningitis?

Those experiencing symptoms of meningitis should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Meningitis can potentially be fatal within a matter of hours. If you suspect you may have meningitis, seek urgent medical attention - call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E department.

If you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis, call NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice.

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Sinéad Dennehy, UCL Student Support and Wellbeing