Being registered with a doctor is the only way to receive free access to the NHS and non-emergency care. 

It's essential you register with a doctor (GP) locally. Don't leave it until you are ill. It's really important to do this as soon as possible when you start at UCA, especially if you have an ongoing physical or mental health condition.

If you qualify, you can apply for help with health costs such as prescriptions and dental care. More information is available on the NHS: Help with health costs website.

To find and register with the doctors closest to your campus view our Local Information Guides.

• Canterbury Local Infomation Guide (PDF)
• Epsom Local Information Guide (PDF)
• Farnham Local Information Guide (PDF)
  

Otherwise use the Find a GP tool to find a doctor (GP) surgery or practice using your postcode.

Dental problems can't be dealt with by doctors, so it is recommended that you register with a local dentist as well.

If you qualify, you can apply for help with health costs such as prescriptions and dental care. More information is available on the NHS: Help with health costs website.

To find and register with the dentists closest to your campus view our Local Information Guides.

• Canterbury Local Infomation Guide (PDF)
• Epsom Local Information Guide (PDF)
• Farnham Local Information Guide (PDF)
  

Please check with your doctor that your vaccinations are all up to date before you start at UCA.

You should be up to date with:

• Tetanus
• Polio
• Diphtheria
• Meningitis ACWY
• MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
• HPV

Both meningitis and mumps can be a problem for students, so if you haven't already been immunised against meningitis ACWY or mumps, please arrange to be vaccinated by your doctor before you come to UCA.

You may have had a MenC vaccination previously but this will not protect you against other meningococcal groups. The MenACWY vaccine will increase your protection against MenC and help to protect you against three other meningococcal groups (A, W and Y). Students in their second year or above of university do not need the vaccine.

It’s recommended that all first year students up to 25 years old should have the MenACWY vaccine before or soon after you start university. First years are at particularly high risk in the first weeks of term when you'll come into contact with many new people of a similar age. You should get vaccinated straight away – ideally in your first week of term. Don’t leave it until later.

If you have asthma and take inhaled steroids or you have long term conditions (such as kidney diseases), it is recommended that you receive an annual flu vaccination.

For further information visit the NHS Choices site:

• NHS: Mumps
• NHS: MMR vaccine
• NHS : MenACWY vaccine
• NHS: HPV vaccine

You can no longer book a COVID-19 vaccination online.

You may be able to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine this autumn if you're at increased risk from COVID-19 or depending on your age.

The NHS will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine.

Please visit our International webpages for more information.

The NHS App gives you a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services.

You can use the NHS app to manage your appointments, order and view repeat prescriptions, access your medical record, update your personal details and more.

Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App Store.