Clinic Details:
Date: Wednesday 29th January 2025
Time: 09:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: TBC
Walk-in: No appointment necessary, just bring your vaccination history if you were not immunised in the UK*
Eligibility: Open to both staff and student (including international students)
* For those coming from abroad the immunisation nurse will rely on hand-held records (that is, documentation with immunisation history). If this documentation cannot be accessed, then the team will offer to restart the immunisation programme.
The following vaccinations will be available:
MMR
What is measles?
Measles spreads very easily among those who are not fully vaccinated against measles with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is particularly easy to catch in environments when in close contact with others, such as schools, colleges and universities.
Measles can be an unpleasant illness, and in some cases it can be very serious. Further information about measles is available from the NHS website.
How to protect against measles?
Having two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent measles (and also protects against mumps and rubella). You can find out more about the vaccine on the NHS website.
If you are unsure if you have received the MMR vaccination, please check with your GP. If you have children, you can check your child’s Red Book (if they have one) to see if they have received MMR vaccinations as scheduled, or check with your doctor’s surgery if you are unsure.
It is never too late to catch up on missed vaccinations. The MMR vaccine is free to everyone on the NHS, whatever your age. If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, you can drop into our vaccination clinic on campus on Tuesday 2 May, 10.00-16.00 or contact your GP practice to book an appointment.
The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.
DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
What the DPT vaccine is for?
The Td/IPV vaccine protects against 3 serious illnesses:
It boosts the protection provided by the 6-in-1 vaccine and 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine.
Who should have the DPT vaccine?
Children are given the Td/IPV vaccine (3-in-1 teenage booster) at around 13 or 14 years old (school year 9) as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
If you or your child missed getting vaccinated, speak to your school nurse, or your GP surgery if you've left school, about getting vaccinated.
The Td/IPV vaccine is also given to adults at higher risk of tetanus, diphtheria or polio, such as:
- people who need protection against these illnesses before travelling abroad (the vaccine may be recommended if you're going to an area where it may be difficult to get medical help quickly and your last dose was more than 10 years ago)
- people who have a large, dirty or deep wound that could mean they're at risk of tetanus
- people at risk of these illnesses through their work, such as some laboratory staff
You can find out more about the vaccine on the NHS website
MenACWY (Meningococcal ACWY)
What the MenACWY vaccine is for?
The MenACWY vaccine helps protect against life-threatening illnesses like meningitis and sepsis. It's offered to teenagers in school, but can be given up to the age of 25 if it's been missed.
Meningitis, sepsis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are very serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses that can lead to life-changing disabilities, such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage.
Anyone can get meningitis but it's most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.
Babies are given the MenB vaccine to help protect against a common type of bacteria that causes meningitis.
The MenACWY vaccine is given to teenagers and helps protect against 4 other types of bacteria linked to meningitis.
Although the vaccine is very effective, it does not prevent all types of meningitis, so it's still important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis even if you've been vaccinated.
Who should have the MenACWY vaccine?
The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all teenagers. It's usually given to children when they're 13 or 14 years old (school year 9 or 10).
If you missed having the vaccine when you were at school, you can get it up to the age of 25 years.
It's also available for some people who are at increased risk of getting meningitis because of:
- a medical condition
- work
- travel
- close contact with someone who's infected
Students
Meningitis can spread very quickly in places like universities and colleges.
Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date before starting university or college, including the MenACWY vaccine and both doses of the MMR vaccine.
You can find out more about the vaccine on the NHS website
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
What the HPV vaccine is for?
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), 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 genital warts.
Who should have the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
You can find out more about the vaccine on the NHS website
For any queries please contact occupational.health@herts.ac.uk