You've got the grades, but don't pass on your health

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) congratulates everyone celebrating their A level results today (13 August). With the prospect of heading to university a few short weeks away, now is the time for young people to check they are up to date with their vaccinations and have the medicines and medical devices they need to stay well as they hit freshers’ week. These tips will stand you in good stead even if you’re taking another route following your results. 

Phil Tregunno, MHRA Deputy Director of Patient Safety Monitoring, said: 

“Securing your place at uni is an exciting milestone. It may be your first time living away from home and taking charge of your own health and wellbeing. Get prepared now, so when you arrive, you can focus on settling in and enjoying university life.”   

Meningitis B 

Meningitis B is a serious infection which can have long-term impact on your health and is potentially life-threatening. It can be contagious, so students living in university halls or shared accommodation and socialising together can be particularly at risk.  

The best protection against contracting Meningitis B is to get the Men B vaccinevaccine. fromThe yourMenB GPvaccination oris localbeing healthdelivered centre.in slightly different ways across the UK. Find out more about whether you are eligible for the MenB vaccine, and how you can get it here: Meningococcal B (MenB) time limited vaccination offer - GOV.UK. It requires two doses, so time is of the essence before you head off to university. 

Patient safety is the MHRA’s number one priority. We approve, test and monitor all vaccines used in the UK, so you can be confident that they are safe and effective.  

Even after we’ve approved a vaccine for use, we test every single batch to make sure each one meets our high safety standards. We remain alert to any potential safety concerns and our most important partner in that safety monitoring is you.  You can use the MHRA Yellow Card reporting scheme to report any suspected side effects from a vaccine.  For more information about meningitis, read our patient factsheet. We have also published a vaccine safety patient factsheet to give patients and the public clear, accessible and evidence-based information about how vaccines work and how their safety is assured.   

Asthma 

The autumn term heralds the start of the coughs and colds season which can be particularly difficult for people with asthma.  Check your asthma inhalers are in date and take them as prescribed. If you have a preventer inhaler take this every day, and use your reliever inhaler when you have symptoms of asthma. This should always be carried with you.  

If your inhaler does not have a dose counter or dose indicator, to avoid using an empty inhaler and to know when to order a new one, it is important to keep a tally of doses and compare that with the number of doses on the labelling of the inhaler – inhalers may still have residual liquid in them even when all the medicine doses have been used, but won’t be effective. If you use a spacer, make sure you have this too.    

 If you experience symptoms and your inhaler is not helping, then seek urgent medical help.  

Helpful information which is still up to date can be found on the NHS England – London’s #AskAboutAsthma campaign website.   

Adrenaline auto-injectors 

Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are an important healthcare product used for those at risk of anaphylaxis and can save lives. 

If you have one or more allergies you may have been prescribed an AAI product such as Epipen or Jext. Anaphylaxis can be fatal. Remember the following: 

• There are three different types of AAIs – make sure you know how to use yours.  

• Always follow the instructions.  

• Always carry two in-date AAIs with you.  

• Check the expiry dates regularly and replace them before they expire.  

More information about these products, including a video on our AAI safety campaign, can be found here.  

Colds, flu and antibiotics 

Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics won’t help so don’t take them. Ask your local pharmacy for advice on alleviating symptoms. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take the full course as directed by your GP, nurse or pharmacist. Taking antibiotics when not needed and not finishing the course is a major driver of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) development. 

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global issue which claimed over a million lives in 20211 across the world. AMR is where bacteria and other microorganisms have adapted to survive the antibiotics we use to fight them, and this problem is made worse when antibiotics are used when they are not needed. 

If you do not take a course of antibiotics that have been prescribed for you, dispose of them by taking them to your local pharmacy – do not throw them down the sink or the toilet, or put them in the bin. 

You can also read more about the MHRA’s work in tackling AMR here.