Students can get protection from measles, mumps and rubella and meningitis C for the first time this year during freshers week at Bradford University.

Nurses will be giving the MMR and meningitis vaccinations on site, along with other health information, in an initiative between NHS Bradford and Airedale and the university.

They hope to combat a recent increase in measles and mumps amongst students. Many of this year’s intake will be vulnerable as when they were children only one dose of the vaccination was routinely given.

Linda Scott, immunisation and vaccination lead for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “The MMR jab is very effective and is really important in keeping these diseases which students are prone to at bay. However, it is only effective if two doses of the vaccination have been given.

“Students, especially within this age group, are at risk of catching diseases like measles and mumps because of the recent outbreak.

“In young adults mumps can cause complications and measles is a disease that in rare cases can kill so we advise that students take the safe option and have their booster.”

As well as offering the MMR jab, health advisors will be giving out information on smoking, binge-drinking and sexual health.

One in ten under 25s now has chlamydia so free condoms will be handed out and students who choose to be tested for the sexually transmitted disease will be entered into a prize draw.

The new NHS Bradford and Airedale sexual health website – bash.nhs.uk – will also be promoted.

It provides information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy and contraception.