Pre-college immunizations for meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus, hepatitis B, HPV and influenza are recommended.
Both the Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association recommend pre-college immunizations for meningitis, pneumonia, tetanus, and hepatitis B. For college-age women aged 11 to 26, the human papillomavirus vaccine is indicated. Both bodies also recommend a yearly flu vaccine as a preventative measure. Each college or university system may have different vaccine requirements. Contact the campus health office regarding specific vaccination rules.
Meningitis
Each college student living in a dormitory or residence lodge should receive a meningococcal vaccination. Only bacterial meningitis can be prevented by vaccine. Because the student could have been vaccinated for meningitis as a child, the primary health physician of the student should be consulted for a review of past immunizations.
Pneumonia
The pneumonia vaccine helps to protect against community-acquired infections. Pneumonia is often contracted during a hospital or nursing home stay. However, like a hospital and a nursing home, the close quarters in dorm living help pneumonia spread. The pneumonia vaccine is suggested for future students who have a weakened immune system due to either anti-rejection medications taken after organ transplantation or who are living with autoimmune disorders.
Tetanus
Tetanus is one of the compulsory childhood vaccinations. A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years for adults aged 10 to 64. The ACHA encourages students in the health sciences field to receive boosters much closer together, especially for those studying in an area with direct patient contact.
Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B viaccine is recommended for those students in a high-risk environment, such as those who work around health care environments, who are immuno-compromised due to illness or a history of transplant or who have multiple sex partners. The vaccine is administered in three doses given three months apart. Hepatitis B is preventable with administration of the vaccine..
Human Papillomavirus
All females aged 11 to 26 are encouraged to receive the HPV vaccine as it is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer in women. A pap smear or vaginal exam is not necessary for administration of the vaccine. Much like the hepatitis B vaccination series, the HPV immunization schedule require three dosing sessions for complete viral protection.
Influenza
A yearly influenza vaccine is always a good idea, especially because a student living in a dorm is more susceptible to transmission. The flu is miserable enough, but even more so whenhe has to suffer through finals week while fighting to stay upright. Many colleges and universities offer campus-wide vaccination services beginning in the early weeks of the fall semester.
Tags: administration vaccine, Each college, hospital nursing, hospital nursing home, immunizations meningitis, immunizations meningitis pneumonia
