Preparing for college involves more than just academics. Ensuring your child is up to date with essential vaccines is a crucial step in their college readiness journey. Marshfield Clinic Nurse Practitioner Christopher Mueller recommends the following vaccines for your kids before college.
Importance of vaccines before college
Living in dorms and other shared spaces makes it easier to spread diseases, said Mueller. Vaccines play a vital role in prevention. Here are essential vaccines your child should receive before heading to college:
Meningococcal vaccination
Meningococcal vaccine protects against meningitis, a bacterial infection that can have severe consequences. The Serogroup B vaccine is critical as this form of meningitis can lead to death within 24 hours. This vaccination is typically included in the childhood immunization series.
Tdap vaccination
Tdap vaccine prevents diphtheria, a contagious bacterial disease affecting the respiratory system, including the lungs.
Diphtheria bacteria can be spread from person to person by someone’s cough or sneeze. CDC states that diphtheria can produce a toxin in the body making it difficult to breathe or swallow and may cause death.
HepB vaccination
HepB vaccine protects against Hepatitis B, a blood-borne infection spread through sexual activity. It causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to serious health issues.
HPV vaccination
HPV vaccine is recommended for preventing genital warts and sexually transmitted infections. CDC recommends 11- to 12-year olds receive two doses of HPV vaccine at least six months apart. Those who start the series later, ages 15-26, need three doses.
“This vaccine protects against four types of HPV 16 and 18, which account for 70% of cervical cancers,” Mueller said. “HPV is also a leading risk factor for cancer of the mouth and throat.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Help protect against human papillomavirus with the HPV vaccine
Influenza vaccination
Influenza vaccine is recommended annually to prevent the flu, a highly contagious viral infection. It helps avoid lost days of class and complications for those with pre-existing conditions. Everyone 6 months and older can get a flu vaccine each year.
RELATED ARTICLE: The flu shot: Get it, got it, done
COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccine protects against COVID-19, a respiratory illness that spreads easily in shared spaces. The vaccine is highly effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and spreading the virus.
RELATED ARTICLE: Should I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
Talk to your provider
Before you send your child off to college, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to receive the recommended vaccinations for school.
Leave a Reply