There has been a small increase in the rate of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in recent years. Young people attending higher education for the first time are at greater risk of this disease, particularly in the first few weeks of their first term. In the UK there is now a nationwide immunisation programme through the schools to vaccinate those most at risk but, if you have taken a gap year or longer, you may have missed out on this.

To achieve maximum protection you should have been immunised against meningitis C before attending the University and we urge you to see your family doctor to be immunised. If you are unable to receive immunisation in your home area we will be able to carry it out on your arrival, but you must make an appointment to be seen at the University Medical Centre as soon after your arrival as possible.

During the last few years a number of universities, including Kent, have seen an increase in cases of mumps among students. This can be a debilitating illness in young people with the possible risk of complications. The Department of Health advises that all those entering higher education should have two immunisations against MMR. Please ensure that you are fully immunised before you arrive at the University. If you have not been immunised, please arrange this with your family doctor.

Robust plans are in place to deal with outbreaks of infectious diseases amongst students and there is close collaboration between the University Medical Centre and Local Health Protection Agencies. Please ensure that you have with you supplies such as paracetamol and paper tissues to deal with minor illnesses. For further information about the management of minor illness, visit the University Medical Centre website.

You should register with a doctor in the area in order to receive treatment under the National Health Service (NHS).  Students who live on, or within 6 miles of the Canterbury campus should register with the University Medical Centre online.  The medical registration process can be started before you arrive at the Canterbury campus and can be completed when you have been issued with your Student ID number and student accommodation address.

If you have moved into the area to study at the University of Kent Medway, you are advised to register with a GP practice near to your accommodation. Lists of practices in the Medway area are available from Student Services, located on the Ground Floor of the Gillingham Building.

If you are unable to register with a local GP because the waiting list is closed, please contact:

The Primary Care Advisory Team 
Medway Teaching Primary Care Trust 
Tel: 01622 655142

The nearest hospital which also has accident and emergency facilities is:

Medway Maritime Hospital 
Windmill Road 
Gillingham 
Tel: 01634 830000

Please contact student services if you need further assistance: