College Requirements
College can be an exciting and fun experience. However, all those new people together in classrooms and dorms, and the lack of sleep that many college students experience, may leave them more vulnerable to infection and other diseases. Many colleges require certain immunizations and vaccinations, while others do not require but strongly recommended them. There are often more vaccination requirements for students who plan to live in the college dorms than for students who live outside of campus.
Meningitis
Meningitis immunizations for college students are the most widely required / recommended vaccinations on college campuses. Meningitis is very dangerous and has been a widespread problem on college campuses for quite some time. The meningitis infection causes the membrane around the brain and spinal cord to swell with inflammation. Signs of meningitis include a stiff neck, fever, headache, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Many cases of meningitis are caused by viral infection, and the body can usually recover from these on its own. Meningitis caused by bacterial infection, however, can cause permanent brain damage if not treated right away and can lead to death within two to three days of contracting the infection.
Hepatitis B
After meningitis, the hepatitis b immunization is probably the most important of the possible immunizations for college students to consider. Hepatitis b is an infection that affects liver functioning. The liver is a vital organ that works as a filter for the body. There is no long-term artificial replacement for liver functioning. If one’s liver stops working a liver transplant is needed. The hepatitis b virus is transmitted through bodily fluids that may be exchanged by intravenous blood use or sexual intercourse. The virus is not passed though touching of an infected individual’s skin, exchange of saliva, or through breastfeeding. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis b usually do not appear until one to four months after one is infected. If one is not vaccinated and gets the virus, they may pass the virus to many different individuals before they know they are infected. Symptoms include nausea, dark urine, vomiting, yellowing of skin and eyes, joint pain, fever, and fatigue.
Immune System Booster
The immune system helps to fight off infection. If an individual’s immune system is compromised, he or she is likely to get sick more frequently and more severely than an individual who has a strong immune system. Unfortunately, many college students are at risk for a compromised immune system due to high stress and lack of sleep. One of the main symptoms of an immune system disorder is extreme fatigue. This can greatly affect a student’s ability to function in the college setting. There are many different blood tests that can be administered to test one’s immune system functioning. If functioning is low, the student may need a booster to improve immune system function.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine
Most individuals in the United States received the Tdap vaccination when they were children. However, another Tdap vaccination is needed in adulthood and is especially important to get before one goes to college, where infections are easily spread. There have been recent outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) on college campuses due to lack of student being vaccinated. The cough is highly contagious and can lead to brain damage, pneumonia, and death. Diphtheria is a respiratory disease that can lead to heart failure, paralysis, and death. Diphtheria is also very contagious and can be spread by the sneezing and coughing inherent to the disease. Tetanus attacks the nervous system and can cause seizures, muscle spasms, and death. The risk of all of these diseases is virtually eliminated by getting the Tdap immunization.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both men and women under the age of 26 years old. The vaccine protects one against cervical cancer, anal cancer, and genital warts. The vaccine is administered in three doses. The second is given one to two months after the first, and the third dose is given six months after the first. HPV is passed from one individual to another through sexual intercourse.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
The Center for Disease Control recommends that all adults receive a yearly seasonal influenza vaccination. Again, this is especially important for college students, due to their increased risk of passing and catching infections and other diseases. The vaccine should be administered early in the flu season during the months of September or October. One vaccine should last the entire flu season by protecting and strengthening the immune system. December finals are much worse when one has the flu. The influenza vaccine is an easy way to protect oneself and can be obtained free of charge on many college campuses.
