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Health checks before your arrival in the UK As a part of your visa application you may be asked to take part in a medical examination. As such it may be wise to be aware of the following information:
Tuberculosis:
Other Immunisations: The Department of Health has recommended vaccination against Meningitis C following outbreaks of the strain in university students in the UK. This has resulted in a dramatic reduction of the disease. The best time to have this vaccination is before coming to university to allow enough time for immunity to develop. You should approach your doctor at least two weeks, ideally one month, before you are due to arrive. It is important to note that this vaccination does not provide protection against other strains
If you are coming to study in the UK for more than 6 months
of Meningitis. If you choose to have the vaccination you should
and you are from a country where there is a high incident of TB
bring your vaccination certificate or card with you.
infection, and you have not had a vaccination, you should have a medical health check prior to entering the UK. You should bring a
If you are unable to have this done before you arrive you will be
doctor’s letter, and if required, a recent chest x-ray with you when
able to obtain the vaccination here, when you have registered
you travel.
with a doctor. Any questions you have about the vaccine are best
Embassies in: •
Bangladesh
•
Ghana (which also takes applications from Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Niger).
•
Kenya (which also takes applications from residents of Eritrea, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
discussed with your family doctor. Usually by the time UK students have reached the age of 16 they will also have completed their immunisation against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and tuberculosis. It is best that you check your immunisation status against these diseases before arrival.
Rwanda, Uganda (visitor applications) and Tanzania) •
Pakistan
•
Sudan, and
•
Thailand (which also takes applications from Cambodia and Laos).
are already screening applicants who are coming to the UK for more than 6 months. If you are tested and are free from TB you will be issued with a visa confirming the same.
If you have any medical notes that your doctor considers relevant e.g. cervical screening, relevant past or family history, you may want to bring these with you to give to your new doctor. This will be confidential between you and your doctor.