Check that you are up-to date on your vaccinations before starting college or university.
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Overview
At college or university you will be meeting, mixing and living with lots of new people. This can be an ideal environment for viral infections to spread.
Vaccination protects you from serious, potentially even fatal diseases. Being fully vaccinated will also help to limit the spread of these viruses. This will help protect you, your family, your peers, and vulnerable people.
Make sure you are protected against:
Check that you are up-to-date with your vaccinations
Vaccinations you should have received:
- 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
This protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Children are usually vaccinated before they start primary school.
- 1 dose of MenACWY vaccine
This protects against 4 different strains of Meningitis (A, C,Y and Men W). You are usually offered this vaccine in year 9.
- The HPV vaccine
This protects against Human Papillomavirus (nhs.uk), a very common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine helps protect against cancers and genital warts caused by HPV. You are usually first offered the vaccine in year 8.
In the past, the HPV vaccine has been offered as 2 doses. Expert evidence now shows one dose provides young people with the same level of protection as the previous two doses. From 1st September 2023, if you have received one dose of HPV vaccine you are fully vaccinated against HPV and will not need any additional doses.
- COVID-19, Mpox and Flu vaccines
You may also be eligible for additional vaccines such as COVID-19, flu and mpox. Ask your GP or healthcare professional for more information.
Visit the Public Health Wales website for further information on vaccines.