A TOP NHS doctor has urged Freshers to get the covid vaccine on campus but Bournemouth universities aren’t offering them.

England's top doctor is urging students who are not yet vaccinated to get their covid jab in freshers’ week with dozens of universities setting up pop-up clinics and walk-in centres as the new academic year begins.

However, universities in Bournemouth won’t be providing the vaccine to freshers.

An Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) spokesperson said: “AUB has been working with local partner organisations; including BCP, Public Health Dorset, Bournemouth University and AECC University College, to develop our COVID-19 response and ensure the safety of our community.

"We strongly encourage all students to consider vaccination in order to protect themselves and others against COVID-19, and we have been liaising with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust with regard to hosting vaccination sites on campus. We would welcome the opportunity to host such a site, should regional capacity allow.

"Prior to visiting campus for the new academic year, we are asking all students to test themselves, and continue to test twice weekly once they begin their studies. Face coverings are strongly encouraged indoors across campus, and testing kits are available in our university halls and from campus collection points.

"We regularly review all of our on-campus safety measures, and our Student Services Team continues to be on hand to offer help and support to students in need of further guidance."

A spokesperson from Bournemouth University confirmed that they will not be hosting a pop-up site on campus: “We’ve been working with Public Health Dorset, they’ve already confirmed the pop-up sites that they are going to run and last I heard, there isn’t going to be on one on campus.”

As tens of thousands of young people head off to university this week, Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, is reminding soon-to-be freshers that getting the life-saving jab will give them the best possible protection against coronavirus.

Students can easily book their second jab at a pharmacy, GP practice or vaccination centre in their new town or city. 

A walk-in finder on the NHS website allows students or anyone who is eligible to enter their postcode and find their nearest centre for both first and second doses.

Everyone aged 18 and over can then book an appointment through the National Booking Service, and the second dose can be given in a different location to the first as long as eight weeks have passed.

Vaccines have been administered at hundreds of convenient locations across the country, such as mosques, museums, football stadiums and other community hubs.