England’s top doctor is urging students who are not yet vaccinated to get their coronavirus jab in freshers’ week, with dozens of universities setting up pop-up clinics and walk-in centres.

As tens of thousands of young people head off to university, 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.

n a drive to get as many young adults jabbed as possible, many universities, including Liverpool Hope University and Queen Mary’s in London are setting up pop clinics during welcome week.

Powis said: “Starting university is a really exciting time and getting your Covid vaccine means you will be armed with maximum protection against the virus. It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm from young people with more than 3.4 million people aged between 18 and 24 already having their first jab.

“With many universities set to run pop-ups and walk-ins throughout the first weeks of term it has never been easier to get protected, so I urge anyone yet to be vaccinated to take up the offer as soon as possible.”

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.

Freshers should also make sure they register with a GP in their new home if they have moved away for university.