Making sure you are up to date with your vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and to reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill from diseases like meningitis, measles, and most HPV related cancers. Students who have moved to Scotland from overseas, can get FREE vaccines on the NHS that may not have been available where they lived before.
If you are a UK student and unsure if you are up to date with all your vaccines, you should contact your GP who can check your vaccination history.
2026 Meningitis outbreak in Kent - Cases have all been linked to a particular geographical area, and there is currently no evidence of any increased risk to students in Scotland at this time. This means there is currently no need for any additional vaccination or catch-up campaigns to be put in place in Scotland. Public Health Scotland will continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue universities and colleges with further information and advice as appropriate should the position change.
- What Vaccines Do I Need?
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Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine - offers protection against some of the common causes of meningitis. Students are at higher risk of meningitis, which can be severe and life-threatening
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) Vaccine - protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Students are at higher risk than the general population and that is why it's important to check you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose must not have been before 12 months of age.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine - helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer. It also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections. Most students will have had the HPV vaccine at secondary school but if not, you may still be able to get it. People under the age of 25 who have not received a HPV vaccine get one for free on the NHS. If you're a man under the age of 45 who has sex with men you can visit a sexual health clinic to get a free HPV vaccine.
Check out our Eligibility Guide for Students. More information on the vaccines available can be found on the NHS inform website. Information about all vaccines in alternative languages and formats is also available by selecting the vaccination to view a list of alternative formats available.
- Where Can I Get My Vaccines?
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To make an appointment at Aberdeen City Vaccination Centre and Wellbeing Hub, Bon Accord Centre (across from Costa Coffee), George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HZ, please contact the vaccination contact centre on 01224 555333. Please note this is an appointment only vaccination centre.
The vaccination centre is accessible to all and is equipped with portable hearing loops, wheelchair accessible, language line (a telephone-based interpretation service) and a quiet space.
Visit the NHS Grampian vaccination website for more information.
- Vaccination Appointments
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All vaccinations at the vaccination centre are by appointment only, so please don’t turn up unless you have an appointment. If you have any queries regarding your vaccination, please call NHS Grampian on 01224 555 333.
If English is not your first language, Language Line is available at all vaccination appointments. This is a telephone-based interpretation service which gives staff access to expert interpreters, on the telephone, for over 170 different languages.
If you require language line, advance notice is preferred, please contact NHS on 01224 555 333 or email gram.vaccineenquiries@nhs.scot
- Vaccination - Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Do I need to be registered with a local GP to be able to receive vaccinations?
You can still receive vaccinations even if you have not registered with a GP. We do however, strongly advise you to register with a local GP while you are studying in Aberdeen. More information on registering with a GP is available here: Doctor | Students | The University of Aberdeen
2. Can I receive vaccinations if I do not have any record of my vaccination history?
The vaccination team will not refuse you a vaccination due to a missing history. We do however advise you to contact your GP to discuss any vaccinations you feel you may have missed.
3. Can I receive the HPV vaccination if I am over the age of 25?
Not routinely on the NHS, but you can still pay to receive the HPV vaccination privately at a pharmacy. If you are a man who has sex with men (MSM) up to age 45, you can receive the HPV vaccination at the sexual health clinic.
4. Can I receive the MenACWY vaccination if I am over the age of 25?
Not routinely on the NHS, but you can still pay to receive the MenACWY vaccination privately at a pharmacy.
5. Where can I get the MenB vaccination?
MenB vaccinations for adults are not routine on the NHS. Public Health Scotland has advised there is currently no need for any additional vaccination or catch-up campaigns to be put in place in Scotland.
6. I am from the UK and have received all childhood immunisations; do I need any more vaccines?
You may need additional vaccines if you have underlying health conditions. You will be sent information directly from the NHS if you fall in this category when you are due a vaccination.
7. Will I get documentation from the clinic showing the vaccines I have just received?
This is available on request from your GP.