Preparing for University and Summer Travel

As summer progresses, many families are preparing for holidays abroad or gap years, while others are helping teenagers get ready for boarding school, university or further education.

This is an ideal time to review vaccinations, travel health preparations and any medical requirements before the start of the new academic year.

Heading to University?

Check Your Meningitis Protection

One of the most important health considerations for young adults starting university is protection against meningococcal disease.

Meningitis B (MenB) remains one of the most serious strains of meningitis and can cause life-threatening illness. Recent reports of MenB infections in Kent during March 2026 have highlighted the importance of ensuring young people are adequately protected before starting university or boarding school.

Whilst MenB vaccination was introduced into the UK childhood immunisation programme in September 2015 for infants. Protection from childhood vaccination may reduce over time (3-5 years), meaning immunity may have waned by the teenage years.

Importantly, because the vaccine was only introduced into the child immunisation schedule in September 2015, most teenagers and young adults currently preparing for university would not have received MenB vaccination as part of their routine NHS childhood immunisations. In general, anyone aged 11 years or older is unlikely to have been vaccinated unless the vaccine was obtained privately.

Teenagers and young adults are one of the groups at highest risk of meningococcal disease, particularly when living in close contact with others in university halls, boarding schools and shared accommodation.

It is also worth noting that the routine MenACWY vaccine does not protect against MenB, meaning a child may have received their school meningitis vaccination but still may not be protected against meningococcal B disease.

The MenB vaccination - The vaccine is given as a two-dose course administered one month apart. For individuals vaccinated in infancy, a booster dose may be considered to help restore protection.

If your child is preparing for university or boarding school, it may be worth reviewing their vaccination history and discussing whether MenB vaccination or a booster dose may be appropriate.

Have Any School Vaccinations Been Missed?

Many important vaccinations are delivered through school vaccination programmes. However, children occasionally miss these due to absence at school or declining vaccination at the time.

We recommend checking that your child has received:

The MenACWY vaccine (13-14yrs), which protects against four strains of meningococcal disease.
The “teenage booster”(13-14yrs)- tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
The HPV (Gardasil 9) vaccine (12-13yrs), which helps protect against cervical cancer, certain other cancers and genital warts.

These vaccines are routinely offered during secondary school years, but missed doses can often be caught up later.

If you are unsure whether your child received these vaccinations, we can review their records and advise on any outstanding immunisations.

Starting University in the USA?

Families preparing for university overseas, particularly in the United States, should be aware that many universities require detailed medical documentation before enrolment.

University health forms often need to be completed well in advance and may require evidence of previous vaccinations, immunity testing or additional vaccinations that are not routinely given in the UK.

One of the most common requirements is proof of Hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B was not part of the routine UK childhood immunisation schedule when most current university-aged students were born, meaning many young adults have never received a full vaccination course.

As Hepatitis B vaccination requires multiple doses over a period of time, it is important to start the process early if it is needed for university entry.

Many American universities begin their academic year in late August, so we recommend reviewing university requirements and arranging any necessary appointments before the summer holidays wherever possible.

Travelling Abroad This Summer?

If you are travelling to Asia, Africa, South America or other destinations, it is important to consider travel vaccinations before departure.

Many travel vaccines require time for immunity to develop, and some vaccination schedules involve more than one dose. Ideally, travel health advice should be sought at least two weeks before travel, although earlier is often preferable.

Our travel consultations provide personalised advice based on your destination, medical history and planned activities. We can advise on travel vaccinations, malaria prevention and measures to help keep you healthy whilst abroad.

We can also provide “just in case” medications and advice for common travel-related illnesses, together with access to video consultations whilst overseas should medical concerns arise during your trip.

Sloane Medical Practice Are Here To Help

Whether your family is preparing for university, boarding school or overseas travel, our team can provide:

✔️ Meningitis B vaccination and booster advice

✔️ Vaccination reviews and catch-up immunisations

✔️ MenACWY, HPV and teenage vaccination assessments

✔️ University and boarding school health reviews

✔️ Completion of university medical forms

✔️ Hepatitis B vaccination courses

✔️ Immunity blood testing where required

✔️ Travel vaccinations and travel health consultations

✔️ Video GP consultations whilst abroad

If you would like to arrange a vaccination review, university health assessment, travel consultation or discuss any of the topics above, please contact the practice to book an appointment.

Thank You

We’re grateful for our amazing patients! Thanks to your support, this year at Sloane Medical Practice will be filled with new services, improved experiences, and care designed just for you 😊

We look forward to supporting your health throughout 2026.

Warm Regards,

Sloane Medical Practice