When stepping into the college life or taking the first steps towards adulthood, most of us are safe from many life threatening diseases, thanks to the vaccinations that were given to us when we were kids. However going to college might mean a complete change of lifestyle and surroundings, which can put us in risk of contracting different kinds of diseases.
Many colleges have specific college vaccine requirements and make it compulsory to go through a vaccination program to ensure that their students are safe. Here are some vaccinations which you will be needing before stepping out for college.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, or a swelling of the membranes of the brain and/or spinal cord. This disease can be highly infectious, especially for students living in closed and cramped spaces such as dormitories where interaction with other people is very frequent. Some colleges make this shot mandatory for the students before joining the college.
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Human papillomavirus or HPV vaccine
Human papillomavirus or HPV vaccine spreads through sexual activities and can cause cervical cancer in women in some cases.HPV vaccine is usually given to children between the ages of 11 to 12. But if you did not have your three shots of this vaccine when you were in your pre-teens, it is a wise choice to get the shots before going to college. This vaccine is recommended for all women under 27 and men under 22 years of age.
Whooping cough vaccine booster
Whooping cough vaccine, also called as Tdap is given to young children between the ages of 11 to 12 years old. Thesevaccines protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, all of which can be infectious. If you did not take this vaccine as a kid, a shot should be taken before joining the college.
Seasonal influenza vaccine
Doctors recommend seasonal flu vaccine for everyone be it young or old, except infants. Seasonal flu can make people very sick and can spread through college dormitories very fast. Flu is the major cause of missed classes and lectures in the college. Take this shot in the late summer or early fall to protect yourself from the seasonal flu.
So don’t forget to contact your doctor to get all the vaccines while you make other important plans for college.
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