UC will be offering a free vaccination clinic for students who aren’t in their first year living in a Hall of Residence during the first week of Semester 1. Free meningococcal and measles, mumps & rubella (MMR) vaccinations will be available. Eligibility criteria may apply, and bookings are essential as appointments are limited.
Domestic students aged under 25 years who are living in their first year at a Hall of Residence can receive free meningococcal vaccination at any time through their usual GP, by booking directly with the UC Health Centre, or by making an appointment through BookMyVaccine online.
Please note: if your last meningococcal vaccination was more than five years ago, you may need a booster dose. Contact your doctor or check your My Health Record (where your immunisation history is recorded) to help confirm whether a booster is recommended.
Where to book: Students must book in person at the UC Student Wellbeing office (located next to the UC Bookshop) prior to receiving their vaccination at the pop-up clinic. This can be done from 9 February until 20 February 9am-3pm during weekdays (excluding public holidays). Please bring your NHI number if you have one.
The pop-up clinic itself will run from 16-20 February between 9am-4.30pm at the UC Health Centre.
Why should I get vaccinated?
Meningococcal is an infection that can develop very quickly and can often start with symptoms similar to the common cold, making it difficult to recognise in the early stages.
Meningococcal is caused by bacteria that can lead to two very serious illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia. Unless recognised early, this disease can be life threatening and have serious long-term effects, including limb amputation, hearing loss, brain injury, and permanent skin scarring. The infection spreads in a similar way to the common cold, through coughing, sneezing, and saliva.
The UC Wellbeing and the Meningitis Foundation teams will have marquees in the information hub [located in the Beatrice Tinsley plaza] on Welcome Day and can help with questions you may have about getting vaccinated.
