Health Information

Student vaccinations

Infectious diseases can spread easily in university communities as face-to face-contact may increase the spread of infectious diseases. To help protect yourself and those around you, the University encourages you have the appropriate vaccinations.

Check your vaccinations before arriving at University

MenB vaccination

Following recent outbreaks in the UK, a temporary meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme is currently in place.

MenB can cause meningitis and sepsis, which are serious illnesses that can spread quickly in shared living environments such as student accommodation. The vaccine helps protect against most strains of MenB bacteria.

You may be eligible for a free MenB vaccination if you are:

• Under 25 and starting an undergraduate degree for the first time in 2026 - 27, including international students OR
• Eligible through your school year or age group in the UK

Full protection requires two doses and takes time to build, so you should get vaccinated as early as possible, ideally before the start of the academic year. The second dose must be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose.

If you are an international student, try to get the vaccine before travelling to Scotland if it is available to you. If this is not possible, you can access the vaccine free of charge after you arrive.

Each NHS Scotland health board delivers its vaccination programme in a slightly different way. UWS students should check with their local NHS health board for information on  how to access vaccination services.

Health board information

• Ayr and Arran Vaccination Programme: Targeted Meningitis B (Men B) Vaccination Programme – NHS Ayrshire & Arran  
• Dumfries and Galloway Programme: Please phone 01387 403090
• Greater Glasgow and Clyde: General Vaccinations - NHSGGC
• Lanarkshire: Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for young people - NHS Lanarkshire

For our students studying in London campus: Please follow this link for England Vaccination Programme MenB vaccine for children - NHS

Information for all other health boards visit the NHS Inform Website.

Communicable Diseases

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily causes painful swelling of the salivary glands (parotid glands) located between the ear and the jaw.

There has been a recent increase in the number of people diagnosed with mumps in Scotland. 

The MMR vaccine protects against mumps (as well as measles and rubella) and has been given to children in the UK since 1998, meaning much of the population is protected.

However, if you don't think or are unsure if you have had this immunisation, we're encouraging students to double-check and make sure you’ve had two MMR vaccinations. You can find out if you’ve had all your routine vaccinations by contacting your local GP or practice nurse who should be able to find out for you.

The NHS has more information on mumps and routine vaccination:

NHS information on Mumps

NHS Information on routine Vaccinations

Health services

If you’re new to Scotland, read this factsheet about how to get health care while you’re here.

Whether you’re new to Scotland or just to the local area, be sure to register with a local GP. You can find details of local doctors’ surgeries and other health services in Scotland by visiting the NHS Inform website. 

London students must register with a local GP. Use the HNS England webpages to find ount more on London-based local GP services: NHS England - Registering with Local GPs.

Remember to register with a dentist too. Keeping up with check-ups can prevent the need for costly treatment.

UK residents can normally get a free NHS eye test every two years.

If you have a low income, you may be able to claim help towards costs for services such as dental treatment or spectacles. You need to complete an HC1 form. Click the following link for more details on the NHS Low Income Scheme.