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It's important that you keep up with your recommended vaccinations, both for your protection and others.
As a student you're at higher risk of infections because you'll be meeting and mixing with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry different bacteria. If you're uncertain about your protection, contact your GP. Ideally you should arrange to have any vaccinations you've missed before starting at university, or as soon as possible afterwards.
Meningitis advice for students
We know many of you will have seen the news of an outbreak of meningitis in the Canterbury area in recent days.
Events such as these can be concerning for university communities. We want to reassure you that your safety and wellbeing is our priority.
We do not currently have any cases of meningitis at the University of Portsmouth. While there is no immediate cause for concern it is important that we all remain aware of the symptoms of meningitis and know what to do if we are concerned about someone who is unwell.
Signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Common symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Rapid breathing
- Drowsiness
- Shivering
- Vomiting
- Cold hands and feet.
Septicaemia (also known as sepsis) can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed against a glass.
How is Meningitis B transmitted?
The bacteria that causes MenB can only be passed to others after a long period of close contact, for example living with someone in shared accommodation, through prolonged kissing or sharing vapes and drinks.
What to do if you think someone has meningitis
If you are concerned or suspect you might have symptoms of meningitis call the NHS 111 helpline immediately and they will advise.
Keep an eye on your fellow students. Sometimes the symptoms of meningitis can be confused with colds or flu. If you’re concerned about someone else, encourage them to seek medical attention by calling NHS 111.
What else can you do?
Check you have had the meningitis vaccine.
More information about meningitis and septicaemia can be found on the Meningitis Now website.
Recommended vaccinations for students
These are some of the vaccinations available through the NHS, depending on your health history.
Some strains of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) can be prevented with vaccinations.
If you're coming to university and are under the age of 25, you should check you've had your MenACWY vaccine. This is especially the case if you missed having it at school or before coming to the UK to study. You can check if you have your vaccine by contacting your GP or looking at your NHS App.
It is possible to pay privately for the vaccine if you are not eligible for it through the NHS and wish to be vaccinated.
The teenage booster, also known as the 3-in-1 or the Td/IPV vaccine, is given to boost protection against three separate diseases:
- tetanus
- diphtheria
- polio
If you missed out at on the booster when you were at school, you can arrange a catch-up through your GP.
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex). Some types of HPV are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
If you missed getting vaccinated when you were 12 or 13, the HPV vaccine is available for free on the NHS for:
- all women under 25
- men under 45 who have sex with men
- other people at higher risk from HPV
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine offered to babies in the UK. If you've not had two doses, and are about to start university, you should ask your GP surgery for an appointment.
It protects against three serious illnesses which can easily spread between unvaccinated people:
- measles
- mumps
- rubella (german measles)
These conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
Read more about the MMR vaccine >
Signs and symptoms of measles, mumps and rubella
Measles
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.
Mumps
Mumps is 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 flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Getting help from the NHS
Health advice - NHS 111
Call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for health advice. It's a free service that allows you to speak to NHS staff who can give you health advice or help find which service is best for you.
Illnesses and minor injuries
If you're in Portsmouth
The Urgent Treatment Centre and Minor Injury Unit at St Mary's Hospital, east of the University campus can help with minor illnesses and injuries
They can offer treatment, advice and information for incidents like minor head and eye wounds, treating sprains, strains and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet.
If you're in London
The A&E and Urgent Care Centre at Whipps Cross Hospital can help with minor illnesses and injuries.
They can offer treatment, advice and information for incidents like minor head and eye wounds, treating sprains, strains and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet.
Calling an ambulance
If you're in Portsmouth
If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call 999.
If you are on campus in Portsmouth when calling 999 please also call Campus Security who will be able to offer assistance and arrange access for the ambulance crew. Call the Security Lodge through extension 3333 or +44 (0)23 9284 3333. You'll be asked:
- The location, including the area or room in the building
- The phone number you're calling from
- What's happened?
The Security Lodge will dispatch caretakers and security to assist and arrange access for the ambulance crew.
If you're in London
If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call 999. You'll be asked:
- The location, including the area or room in the building
- The phone number you're calling from
- What's happened?
Life threatening emergencies
If you're in Portsmouth
If you need urgent medical treatment for a life threatening emergency, the local hospital in Portsmouth is Queen Alexandra Hospital ("QA Hospital") in the north of the city.
The Emergency Department at QA Hospital treats those with life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
If you're in London
If you need urgent medical treatment for a life threatening emergency, the local hospital in Walthamstow is Whipps Cross Hospital.
The Emergency Department at Whipps Cross Hospital treats those with life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped.
Register with a doctor
It's important to get registered with a local GP to be able to access local health services.
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