With fewer Covid-19 restrictions and more social mixing, the UK Health Security Agency are seeing a rise in the cases of measles, mumps, rubella and meningococcal infections amongst students.

While symptoms can be unpleasant, complications are rare. However, we want you to enjoy your university experience knowing you have done all you can to protect yourselves and others against these. We encourage anyone who has not received the MMR (protects against measles, mumps and rubella) or the MenACWY vaccine (protects against meningitis and septicaemia) to do so.

How to get the MMR and MenACWY vaccines

The best way to protect yourself against measles, mumps and rubella is by making sure you have received two doses of the combined MMR vaccine. It’s never too late to get the vaccine and there are no risks to your health if you get an extra dose. The MMR vaccine is available free to anyone who has not received both doses as a child.

Alongside the MMR vaccine, it’s important to also receive the MenACWY vaccine. Any student born after 1 September 1996 who missed the this vaccine can receive this free before their 25th birthday. If you are 25 years and over you should speak with your GP who will be able to best advise.

If you are unsure whether you’ve had the necessary vaccines, you should also check with your GP.

Spotting the symptoms

Below are some common symptoms of measles, mumps and meningococcal disease. If you experience any of the symptoms or are have been in contact with someone with a confirmed case, you should call the NHS on 111 or your local GP surgery. Measles and mumps are highly contagious so you should stay away from others. Find out more about measles on the NHS website.

Measles

Measles is an infection that can spread very quickly. It usually starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes followed by a high temperature and red-brown blotchy rash. Some people may also get small spots on their mouth. Complications are rare but measles can be more severe in young people and lead to hospital admissions.

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection. It is most recognised by the swellings at the side of the face under the ears. However, more general symptoms often develop a few days before the face swells. These include:

• Earache
• Joint pain
• Feeling sick
• Dry mouth
• Mild abdominal pain
• Feeling tired
• Loss of appetite
• High temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F), or above

Complications are rare but can include swelling of the ovaries, swelling of the testes, meningitis and deafness.

Meningococcal disease

This describes two illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These can occur on their own or more commonly together. Symptoms include a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, fever, aching muscles and joints and a stiff neck. The recent MenW strain has been particularly serious and can be difficult to diagnose because it has been associated with symptoms less frequently seen with meningococcal disease, such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting.

Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly and can kill or leave people with life changing disabilities and health problems. Therefore, it can be serious if not treated quickly.

Make sure you stay as healthy as possible by checking your vaccines are up to date and contacting the NHS on 111 if you have any of the above symptoms.