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Register with a doctor
Being registered with a doctor is the only way to receive free access to the NHS and non-emergency care. It's essential you register with a doctor (GP) locally. Don't leave it until you are ill. It's really important to do this as soon as possible when you start at UCA, especially if you have an on-going physical or mental health condition.
If you qualify, you can apply for help with health costs such as prescriptions and dental care. More information is available on the NHS: Help with health costs website.
To find and register with the doctors closest to your campus view our Local Information Guides.
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Register with a dentist
Dental problems can't be dealt with by doctors, so it is recommended that you register with a local dentist as well.
If you qualify, you can apply for help with health costs such as prescriptions and dental care. More information is available on the NHS: Help with health costs website.
To find and register with the dentists closest to your campus view our Local Information Guides.
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Check your vaccinations are up to date
Please check with your doctor that your vaccinations are all up to date before you start at UCA. You should be up to date with:
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Diphtheria
- Meningitis ACWY
- MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
Both meningitis and mumps can be a problem for students, so if you haven't already been immunised against meningitis ACWY or mumps, please arrange to be vaccinated by your doctor before you come to UCA.
You may have had a MenC vaccination previously but this will not protect you against other meningococcal groups. The MenACWY vaccine will increase your protection against MenC and help to protect you against three other meningococcal groups (A, W and Y). Students in their second year or above of university do not need the vaccine.
It’s recommended that all first year students up to 25 years old should have the MenACWY vaccine before or soon after you start university. First years are at particularly high risk in the first weeks of term when you'll come into contact with many new people of a similar age. You should get vaccinated straight away – ideally in your first week of term. Don’t leave it until later.
If you have asthma and take inhaled steroids or you have long term conditions (such as kidney diseases), it is recommended that you receive an annual flu vaccination.For further information visit the NHS Choices site:
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Book your COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination FAQs: students in Higher Education Institutions (NHS PDF)
Students aged 16-17
You can get your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if you are aged 16 or 17.
The NHS will contact you when it’s your turn to get the vaccine. You’ll be invited to a local NHS service such as a GP surgery.
You cannot book your appointment online.
Some walk-in COVID-19 vaccination sites are offering the vaccine to people aged 16-17. You can check if a site is available near you:
Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site
Students aged 18 and over
You can book both appointments for your COVID-19 vaccination online if you are aged 18 and over and registered with a GP practice.
You can book both appointments online through the National Booking Service at a location that is convenient to you or book a first dose through your GP and a second dose in a different location through the National Booking Service.
If you are studying away from home, then the National Booking Service has an option to book or re-arrange the second vaccination appointment at a different location to the first appointment.
Book or manage your coronavirus vaccination
International students
Anybody aged 18 or over in the UK is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
To book your COVID-19 vaccination, you will need to register with a local doctor or GP and get an NHS number. Your NHS number can be found on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription, or by logging in to a GP practice online service.
Once registered you can book your appointment through the National Booking Service website or by phoning 119.
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Information for students from non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries
Please visit our International webpages for more information.