Public Health Wales is urging all university students to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

The health body said that, with the new academic year fast approaching, students should make sure they have had all their childhood vaccinations.

This is because universities are "hot spots for serious infection to spread".

Dr Chris Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme for Public Health Wales, said: "Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of serious diseases.

"We urge all students to get vaccinated before they arrive on campus or as soon as possible after arriving.

"Universities are environments where infections can spread quickly due to large numbers of people living closely together."

Public Health Wales has advised students to check their vaccination status by contacting their GP or local health board child health team to confirm their vaccination history and receive any missed doses.

Dr Johnson added: "Many young people don’t know their vaccination history.

"It’s crucial for students to ensure they are protected so they can focus on enjoying their university experience."

The NHS in Wales offers free vaccines throughout childhood to protect against a number of diseases.

For students, it is particularly important that they are up to date with the following:

- MMR vaccine: Two doses of this vaccine provide protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

- MenACWY vaccine: One dose offers protection against four types of meningococcal disease.

Young people are eligible until they turn 25.

- HPV vaccine: For young people eligible to receive the vaccine as part of the routine adolescent programme, one dose offers protection against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts.

Again people are eligible until their 25th birthday.

- 3-in-1, Td/IPV booster vaccine: Guards against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.

Public Health Wales also encourages all students, new and returning, to register with a local GP to ensure they can access medical care, including vaccinations, while at university.

Registering locally will not prevent students from receiving care at home during holidays.