College Student and Young Adult Immunizations

Vaccinations provide an important safeguard against numerous diseases and conditions. By exposing a person to a dead or weakened form of the disease, the person’s immune system bolsters its strength against the condition, making it less likely for the person to contract the condition, even if exposed. The suggested immunizations differ based on age, location and specific factors. There are a number of immunizations that college students should receive to protect themselves in crowded dorms, apartments and classrooms.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine provides protection against meningococcal disease. This extremely serious disease causes swelling of the brain and can be extremely serious and even fatal. It is very contagious and can spread in communities like college towns and dorms. It strikes very quickly and can send a healthy person to the hospital in a few short days.
Tdap vaccine
The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against several conditions. It helps a person against tetanus and diphtheria as well as pertussis or whooping cough.
Seasonal flu shot
It is recommended that everyone except for those with certain conditions, such as an allergy to the ingredients, get the flu shot. It is especially important for college students who might be living next to a lot of people, under close conditions. The flu shot considerably reduces the risk of getting the seasonal flu, and if you do get it, it is likely to be a much weaker case than without the shot. This is usually available in the late summer and early fall, and it would be best if the student got it before going to school.
HPV vaccine
This vaccine provides protection against cancer. Certain viruses increase the likelihood of getting cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts. This vaccine can lower the chances of getting one of these.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can transfer through the blood or sexual intercourse and can devastate the liver. There are three shots in the series, which can protect against the condition.
There may be other important vaccinations, depending on any current outbreaks and the area in which you live. The benefits of vaccines typically outweigh any potential drawbacks. Some of them have contraindications for people with certain conditions, which can be discussed. Also, students who have certain conditions such as HIV might be recommended to take extra vaccines as precautions. Students should talk to their physicians to find out what is appropriate for them.