In support of National Immunization Awareness Month, RediClinic reminds parents and college-bound students to be aware of the immunizations needed before heading off to school. Each state has specific vaccination requirements for college students. If you will be attending an out-of-state school, you may need additional vaccinations. Learn more about the state mandates on immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Why College Students Should be Immunized
Up-to-date immunizations are especially important for college students living close together in dorms and apartments, where it is common to share food, drink, showers, bathrooms, exercise equipment and other items that might be contaminated by illness. Vaccines can help prevent serious outbreaks of contagious diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
In addition, many states require that first-year college students living on campus be vaccinated with the meningitis vaccine. Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that can cause hearing loss, brain damage and even death. Anyone can get meningococcal meningitis, but college freshmen living in dorms are at increased risk because the disease spreads easily among large groups of people. If you are heading off to college, read about the meningococcal mandates for the state in which your college or university resides.
Here for You, Now and in the Future
The board-certified healthcare clinicians at RediClinic can ensure a college-bound student has all required and recommended vaccines, and also discuss general health issues. Many college students don’t eat well, don’t exercise regularly and become overly stressed, making them more susceptible to illness. If you do become ill, no appointment is necessary at any RediClinic walk-in clinic in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., Philadelphia or Seattle. We are here to help.
