Guernsey’s health authorities are urging students who are preparing to leave the island for university or college to verify the currency of their vaccinations. Public Health has emphasized that ensuring up-to-date MenACWY, MMR, and HPV vaccinations is crucial.
These vaccinations offer protection against a range of health risks, including meningitis and septicaemia, measles, mumps, rubella, and certain cancers.
Given that students will be entering environments where they will interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, there is an increased susceptibility to diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia, and measles. This heightened vulnerability underscores the necessity for students to assess their vaccination records and ascertain if they have received the required immunizations.
In instances where vaccinations have been missed, students are being encouraged to get back on track with their vaccinations by seeking support from the School Nursing team.
Alex Hawkins-Drew, Associate Director of Public Health, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, “Students embarking on their college or university journey this September, as well as returning students, face an elevated risk of contracting serious illnesses due to their interactions with a global student community.”
Hawkins-Drew further emphasized, “Hence, it’s vital for them to have a clear understanding of their vaccination history. If any routine vaccinations have been missed, students are advised to connect with the appropriate healthcare contacts to ensure they receive the necessary vaccinations before departing the island.”
