Free drop-in vaccination clinics

In an email to all staff and students this week (Monday 29 January), University of St Andrews Vice-Principal (Education), Professor Clare Peddie, said:

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I am writing to let you know that the University and NHS Fife will be providing free drop-in vaccination clinics in St Andrews this week.

You should make use of this service if you are not already protected against measles, mumps and rubella, or meningitis.

The drop-in clinics will take place in the Students’ Association Building and will run from Tuesday 30 January to Friday 2 February, between 9am and 3pm.

We are providing these clinics after one of our students was diagnosed with measles last week.

Measles is an infection which spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people if they are not vaccinated, particularly if they have weakened immunity, or are pregnant.

That is why it is important to make sure as many people as possible in our community are protected.

Do I need the vaccine?

Our student who has been diagnosed with measles attended the Refreshers’ Fayre at the Students’ Association in St Andrews on Sunday 21 January.

If you attended the Fayre, it’s important that you check your vaccination history. If you haven’t had two doses of MMR vaccine (with both doses after the age of 12 months), we recommend you take advantage of our clinics to get yourself protected.

Even if you didn’t attend the Fayre, it’s recommended you take advantage of the protection offered by the MMR jab.

Most people already have immunity to measles through the MMR vaccine or exposure to the illness as a child.

If you have had both doses of MMR vaccine (with both doses after the age of 12 months), or had measles earlier in your life, you do not need to worry, you are already protected.

How do I know if I’ve had the MMR vaccine?

The best thing to do if you’re not sure of your vaccination status is to ask your parents or guardian. Most of you will have had the MMR vaccine when you were very small children. You can also contact your GP or family doctor who may have a record of all your vaccinations.

If you can’t find your record, or are not sure if your record is complete, please come along to the vaccination clinic.

Do I need to book an appointment?

No, the clinics at the Students’ Association will run Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and are drop-ins. You don’t need to book.

If you can, please bring evidence of your vaccination history, but it’s not vital that you do.

How long does it take?

No more than 5 minutes to get you fully protected. Our NHS colleagues who will be running the clinics will also be offering meningitis vaccinations.

Where can I get more information?

More information about measles and the MMR vaccine is available on the NHS Inform website.

Our Student Services team can also offer support and advice. You can contact them at [email protected] or by telephone on 01334 46 2020.

Professor Clare Peddie
Vice-Principal (Education)