Vaccines for university, college or further education students
Starting university, college, further education (FE) or an apprenticeship scheme is an exciting time, but it can also mean living, studying, working, and socialising closely with lots of new people. This can increase the risk of infections spreading. It is important that all your vaccines are up to date.
Stay healthy while you study
If you missed any routine vaccines offered as part of the childhood immunisation programme in Northern Ireland, it is not too late to protect your health.
Students up to the age of 25 can still receive these important vaccines through their GP for free.
The following vaccines are essential before starting university, college, FE, or an apprenticeship scheme:
- Meningococcal group B (MenB)
- Meningococcal group ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine
- School leaver booster (Td/IPV) vaccine
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
Meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccine
The MenB vaccine protects against:
- Meningitis
- Septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal group B
Students in their first year of university are at an increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease compared to young people of a similar age who do not go to university.
This vaccine has been routinely provided to babies in Northern Ireland since 2015 as part of the childhood immunisation schedule, but most young people starting university, college or further education will not have received this vaccine before.
In Northern Ireland, an urgent one-off time-limited Meningococcal group B (MenB) vaccination programme will be offered ahead of the autumn 2026 academic year for eligible young people and adults attending university or further education (FE) colleges for the first time.
For more information on MenB vaccine eligibility and how to get the MenB vaccination visit:
Meningococcal group ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine protects against:
- Meningitis
- septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by meningococcal group A, C, W and Y
As these are serious and potentially life-threatening infections that spread easily in halls, shared accommodation and social settings, it is especially important for first-time students to get the vaccine.
Pupils in year 11 are automatically offered the MenACWY vaccine in school by the school health team as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme, with a second chance to have it again in year 12, if they missed out the first time.
Only a single dose of this vaccine is required and is given as a single injection in the upper arm.
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.
If you missed the vaccine in school, you can get it from your GP practice, up to the age of 25.
School leaver booster (Td/IPV) vaccine
The Td/IPV vaccine (also known as the three-in-one teenage booster) protects against three serious illnesses: :
- tetanus
- diphtheria
- polio
These are serious diseases that can cause severe illness and, in some cases, long-term complications.
The vaccine strengthens protection from childhood vaccinations, helping to maintain immunity during adolescence and adulthood.
Children are given the Td/IPV vaccine (three-in-one teenage booster) at around 13 or 14 years old as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme.
Students starting university or college should make sure they have received their Td/IPV booster.
If you missed the vaccine in school, you can get it from your GP practice, up to the age of 25.
Being up to date with your vaccinations helps protect both you and the wider community.
Adults may also get the Td/IPV vaccine if they are at 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
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause:
- cervical cancer
- some head and neck cancers
- other genital cancers
- genital warts
HPV infection is very common, and most people will be exposed to the virus at some point in their lives.
HPV is spread through intimate sexual contact.
There are many types of HPV, but only some are associated with cancer.
The HPV vaccine is routinely offered to all young people aged 12 to 13 years (Year 9) through the school vaccination programme.
You may still be eligible for free HPV vaccination if you missed your vaccine at school.
Eligibility includes:
- females born on or after 2 July 1991 who are under 25 years of age
- males born on or after 2 July 2006 who are under 25 years of age
- transgender females and transgender males born on or after 2 July 1991 who are under 25 years of age
- gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) up to and including 45 years of age
If you are eligible, but did not receive the vaccine at school, contact your GP practice to arrange vaccination.
Eligible individuals can receive the vaccine free of charge up to the age of 25.
GBMSM up to and including 45 years of age can access HPV vaccination through a specialist sexual health genitourinary medicine (GUM)) clinic.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for HPV vaccination, speak to your GP or sexual health service for advice.
Further information is available at:
- HPV vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 13 years old
- HPV vaccine for men who have sex with men
- Vaccinations Sexual Health NI
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious diseases that spread easily from person to person.
They can cause serious complications, including meningitis, hearing loss and, in the case of measles, hospitalisation.
Students starting university or college are more likely to come into close contact with large numbers of people, which can increase the risk of infection and outbreaks.
It is important to make sure you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine before starting your course.
If you are unsure whether you have had two doses of MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice for advice.
Catching up on missed vaccinations will help protect both you and those around you.
Who should get vaccinated
The above vaccines are recommended for all young people, but are especially important if you are starting university, college or further education.
You should check your vaccination status if you are:
- starting university for the first time
- living in student or shared accommodation
- unsure if you’ve had all recommended vaccines
- moving from outside of Northern Ireland
You can check your vaccination status by speaking to your GP.
Other vaccines: mpox and gonorrhoea vaccines
Additional vaccines that offer protection against mpox and gonorrhoea are also available for eligible groups.
Mpox
Mpox is a viral infection that can spread through:
- close physical contact with an infected person
- contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing
- respiratory droplets during prolonged close contact
The risk of getting mpox in the UK is low for most people.
Students starting university or college may be meeting new people and forming new social networks.
If you are eligible for the mpox vaccine, it is important to get vaccinated before, or as soon as possible after, starting your course.
Vaccination helps protect against mpox and can reduce the severity of illness if infection occurs.
Mpox vaccination is recommended for people at higher risk of exposure.
If you think you may be eligible, contact a sexual health clinic for advice.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex.
Many people do not have symptoms, which means the infection can be passed on without knowing it.
If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause serious health problems, including infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Students starting university or college may be meeting new people and forming new relationships.
If you are eligible for the gonorrhoea vaccine, it is important to get vaccinated before, or as soon as possible after, starting your course.
The vaccine can help reduce the risk of getting gonorrhoea and may help prevent the spread of infection.
The gonorrhoea vaccination programme is aimed at people at higher risk of infection.
If you think you may be eligible, contact a sexual health clinic for advice.
For more information visit:
- Mpox vaccine
- Gonorrhoea vaccine
- Visiting a sexual health clinic (GUM clinic)
- Vaccinations at a sexual health clinic
How to get vaccinated
To get vaccinated:
- check your vaccination history records if you have them at home or check with your GP
- book an appointment with your GP for any missed vaccines
- contact a GUM clinic if you need the mpox or gonorrhoea vaccine
If you have moved to Northern Ireland, you need to register with a GP as soon as possible.
For further advice, check with your Student Health and Wellbeing Services/ Hub.
These vaccines are:
- free for eligible young people
- quick and safe
- the best way to protect yourself and others
Know the symptoms – act fast
If you have any health concerns around any of these infections, contact:
- your GP or out of hours GP
- urgent and emergency care services
- your university health service
- a community pharmacy