# Vaccinations and medication

**Source**: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/new-students/before-you-arrive/vaccinations-and-medication
**Parent**: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/international/visas

Find out which vaccinations you need and what medication you should pack before you arrive.

## Getting vaccinated

[Vaccines](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/vaccines-and-immunization-what-is-vaccination) help to prevent the spread of diseases and save lives.

### Coronavirus

If you are eligible for a seasonal vaccine, you will be contacted by the NHS. They will inform you where you can get the vaccine.

Speak to your doctor or the [on-campus NHS health centre](https://www.unimed.co.uk/) to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.

The main vaccinations you should consider cover:

- [measles, mumps and rubella](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/)
- [meningitis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine/)
- [HPV (human papillomavirus)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine/)

You may be able to get these free of charge if you [register with a doctor](https://student.sussex.ac.uk/new-students/when-you-arrive/register-for-healthcare).

You might also consider a vaccination for [meningococcal group B (MenB)](https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/vaccine-information/meningococcal-group-b-vaccine). You can only get this vaccination privately at certain pharmacies or travel clinics, unless you have certain chronic conditions.

If you’re applying for a visa to study in the UK, [check whether you need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test](https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa) before you leave home.

## Packing medication

Pharmacies in the UK sell a range of over-the-counter medication. For any medication requiring a prescription, make sure you pack what you need so you have enough to last until you have [registered with a doctor](https://student.sussex.ac.uk/new-students/when-you-arrive/register-for-healthcare).

If you’re travelling from overseas, keep all medication in its original packaging as airport staff might want to see it. Read about [what to do if think you’re bringing medication to the UK that contains controlled drugs](https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs).

## Pharmacy on campus

You can collect prescriptions and buy medicines, cosmetics and toiletries from the [pharmacy on campus](https://sussexunipharmacy.co.uk/). It is open all year from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday for NHS patients.

It can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions without having to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called [Pharmacy First](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/) and covers such things as sore throat, sinusitis, infected insect bites, UTIs and shingles.

Other NHS services offered include contraception pill supply and [emergency contraception](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/emergency-contraception/), free blood pressure checks, and seasonal flu and Covid vaccinations for certain groups of people. It also offers a range of private services.

Contact the pharmacy by calling [(+44) (0)1273 699883](tel:(+44)%20(0)%201273%20699883).

**Tip:** If you are currently receiving specialist NHS care for either a mental or physical health condition, ask the people treating you to transfer this care to local providers, such as [Sussex Partnership NHS Trust](https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/) or [Brighton & Hove NHS](https://www.brightonandhoveccg.nhs.uk/), before you arrive.

[See more from Before you arrive](https://student.sussex.ac.uk/new-students/before-you-arrive)