Most people think of vaccines as being for babies and young children. However, it's actually important to keep up on vaccines as you grow older. Some vaccines you receive when young may not offer protection into adulthood without a booster, and new vaccines may be developed throughout your lifetime. Going to college is a big life change. You'll be living with thousands of other people and spending time with others during class each day. As such, there are certain diseases that you're at risk for. Here are four vaccines you should definitely make sure you've had before college.
Meningitis
Viral meningitis is a very serious disease that affects the spinal cord and brain. The virus replicates in the meninges, which are the tissues that line your spinal cord and brain. This leads to inflammation, pressure on the brain, and very serious symptoms, like a high fever, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Meningitis is commonly spread in dormitories and other areas where large groups of people live. It can be deadly, so protecting yourself with a vaccine is really important.
Human Papillomavirus
If you have not yet been vaccinated for human papillomavirus, or HPV, then now is the time to get the vaccine. HPV is transmitted through sexual activity, which tends to pick up in the college years. It increases your risk of cervical cancer. Men should get the HPV vaccine too, even though they cannot get cervical cancer, as doing so will prevent them from spreading the virus on to their female partners.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria that live in the soil. Most people get tetanus after they puncture or cut their skin with a dirty item. It's not spread from person to person. However, the tetanus vaccine is important to get when you go away to college in case you do cut yourself, which is more likely when you're playing sports outdoors with your dorm mates at 2 am or staggering home from the library after a 3 am study session than when you stay at home with your parents.
Chicken Pox
Chicken pox tends to be more serious in older patients than in younger ones. If, for some reason, you did not receive the chicken pox vaccine as a young child, then definitely get it before going away to college. With so many people in the dorms, there is a good chance someone will bring in the chicken pox virus, and the vaccine will keep you from spending your entire first semester scratching itchy spots.
For more information on your immunization options, contact a company like Dino Peds.