Find out about getting a Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine if you’re a Sussex student.
Reasons to get vaccinated
Getting your Covid-19 vaccination as soon as you can should protect you. It may also help to protect your family and those you care for, as well as others in the Sussex community.
The Covid-19 vaccination should help reduce the rates of serious illness and save lives, and will therefore reduce pressure on the NHS and social care services. It will also help us all avoid further lockdowns.
We encourage all students to take part in the vaccination programme against Covid-19, in line with government guidance.
Read the benefits of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine published by the government.
Who can get the Covid-19 vaccine
In England, the Covid-19 vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at local centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres.
Anyone aged 18 or over in the UK is eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
Find out how to book a Covid-19 booster dose and search for walk-in vaccination sites.
How to get a vaccination
If you are registered with a GP in England, you will be invited to have the vaccination. You may receive an invitation to book at a large vaccination centre or community pharmacy-led site. This could be online or by calling 119.
If you are not registered with a GP, the NHS will not have your contact details and will not be able to proactively contact you.
However, if you have an NHS number you can book through the national booking service.
Alternatively, you can approach a GP practice and ask to be vaccinated as an unregistered patient.
If you are in Brighton, see details of Covid-19 walk-in vaccination clinics. This information is regularly updated, so double-check the details before you visit. If you know your NHS number, take it with you. If you don't know your NHS number, you can still get a vaccine.
If you had your vaccines overseas
If you have received any Covid-19 vaccinations outside of England, they will not automatically show on your medical records or in the NHS App.
You will need to book an appointment with the NHS to show evidence of your coronavirus vaccinations, such as a vaccination card, certificate or email confirmation. You will also need to bring your passport to prove your identity.
You can book online with your NHS number or call 119.
Once the NHS team confirms your identity and Covid-19 vaccination status, they will update your records and the national system. This will allow you to download an NHS COVID pass when needed.
If you live in Brighton and Hove, this service is available to book at Churchill Square. You cannot walk in.
Find out more and book your vaccine checking appointment online.
Treating others with respect
We recognise that the Covid-19 vaccination programme could be divisive and may lead to the expression of strong opinions with differing views.
We expect you to display behaviours in line with the Dignity and Respect Policy at all times.
Our position on vaccinations
The University of Sussex’s position on vaccination is that it is in favour of vaccinations as an effective means of protecting public and individual health. We strongly encourage all members of the University who are able to do so, to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and other diseases.
At any University vaccination centre run in partnership with the NHS, vaccinations appropriate to the age of the target population will be offered.
As an institution, we are committed to the highest standards of research.
Our position is informed by the World Health Organisation and we support the NHS position statement on vaccination.
If you have concerns about your suitability for a vaccine or about the vaccination programme, we recommend you contact your doctor or the NHS 111 helpline.
Your data
Vaccination status data is classed as private health data and at this time we have decided not to store this data.
If or when government guidance changes, we will consider whether there is a legitimate requirement to store this information.