Lana Oconnell
Vaccinations are an important consideration for university students, who are at an increased risk of contracting and spreading certain diseases due to living in close quarters, such as dormitories. While specific vaccination requirements may vary by country and institution, there are several vaccines that are commonly recommended for university students to protect their health and well-being. These include vaccines against meningitis, measles, mumps, rubella, HPV, influenza, COVID-19, and tuberculosis (for those entering certain countries). University students should consult with their healthcare providers and refer to their university's guidelines to ensure they are up to date with the recommended vaccinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccines to prevent meningitis | MenACWY, MenB |
| Other common diseases | Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, polio, COVID-19, HPV, flu |
| Number of doses | 1-3 doses, depending on the vaccine and age of the recipient |
| Other | Students with a higher clinical risk might need a flu vaccine |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is a two-dose vaccine that gives long-term protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles, mumps, and rubella are three infections that spread easily between people and can lead to serious problems, including meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss.
The MMR vaccine is recommended for all babies and young children, with the first dose administered at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. However, older children and adults who were not vaccinated when they were younger can still receive the MMR vaccine at any age.
In the UK, the University of Oxford strongly recommends that students receive the MMR vaccine before arriving on campus, if they have not already done so. This is because students starting university for the first time are at an increased risk of contracting and spreading these diseases, as they are likely to be living in close quarters with many new people.
The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, containing a weakened version of the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. While it is safe for most people, it may not be suitable for those with weakened immune systems or those who have had a serious allergic reaction to any of its ingredients, such as gelatin or neomycin. Common side effects of the MMR vaccine are usually mild and include a raised rash, fever, and swollen glands. More serious side effects, such as anaphylaxis, are rare.
Running Start Students: University Application Strategies
You may want to see also
Explore related products
MenACWY vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for all teenagers and young people to protect against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These are rare but potentially life-threatening illnesses that can cause permanent disability and death. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia. Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain, and septicaemia is a bloodstream infection.
The MenACWY vaccine is usually given to children when they are 13 or 14 years old (school year 9 or 10). If you missed the vaccine at school, you can still get it up to the age of 25. The CDC recommends that a MenACWY booster dose be administered at age 16 to provide protection during the ages when adolescents are at highest risk. If the initial vaccine was given at ages 16 or older, a booster dose is not recommended.
The MenACWY vaccine is given as an injection, usually in the upper arm. Most people only need one dose of the vaccine. However, if you need it because of your job, you may need a booster dose every five years. The vaccine is very effective, but it does not prevent all types of meningitis, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms even if you have been vaccinated.
If you are a student starting university for the first time, you are at an increased risk of meningitis because you are more likely to be staying in halls of residence and in close contact with new students who may unknowingly be carrying the meningitis bacteria. Therefore, it is important to make sure all your vaccinations are up to date before starting university, including the MenACWY vaccine.
Exploring Student Population at University of Northern Colorado
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$42.74 $56.99
HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine helps protect against genital warts and cancers (such as cervical cancer and some cancers of the anus and genital areas) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is the most common sexually transmitted infection and plays a significant role in cervical, penile, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers. In the United States, there are approximately 46,000 new HPV-related cancers a year. There is an effective vaccine to prevent over 90% of these cancers and other HPV-related diseases. However, those aged 18–26 have the lowest vaccine rates among eligible age groups.
Multiple studies have confirmed that the predisposing factors of low HPV knowledge, low HPV vaccine knowledge, and lack of awareness of susceptibility to HPV contribute to the low HPV vaccination rates among university students, with a larger knowledge deficit for males compared to females. A prospective study of female college students examined every six months for three years found that an average of 14% became infected with genital HPV each year, for a three-year cumulative incidence of 43%. A recent study of heterosexually active male university students ages 18–20 years found a cumulative incidence of new infection with any genital HPV type of 62.4% over two years.
Several studies have been conducted to understand how university-aged individuals transition from having their parents make their medical decisions to making their own decisions, and how this may be related to their decisions regarding the HPV vaccination. It has been observed that parental influence, a strong preference for the respondent's partner to be vaccinated, and having access to a free vaccine increased the likelihood of being vaccinated.
College health centers have been proposed to play a role in improving HPV immunization rates. A recent study from the University of Utah showed that a computer-automated electronic medical record provider alert for eligible male patients improved the HPV immunization rate for male students visiting the college health center.
Warwick University: Student Population and Campus Life
You may want to see also
Explore related products
COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to the virus. It improves the chances of avoiding severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. Studies have shown that the vaccine can reduce the risk of long COVID and the severity of symptoms if a COVID-19 infection occurs.
The CDC recommends a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most adults aged 18 and older, especially those aged 65 and older, those at high risk of severe COVID-19, and those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC also recommends that parents of children aged 6 months to 17 years discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines more closely target the JN.1 lineage of the Omicron variant.
University students can access the updated COVID-19 Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer vaccines at their respective universities. For example, the University of California, Berkeley offers the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to students every Monday to Friday, 9:00-11:30 am and 1-4:30 pm at University Health Services in the Allergy/Travel department located on the first floor of the Tang Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can also get a flu shot at the same time.
Students without SHIP insurance at Berkeley will have to pay $189.50 for Pfizer and $168.00 for Moderna, plus a $30 injection fee. They can get a receipt to submit a reimbursement request to their insurance carrier. Students can also check vaccines.gov for vaccine availability in the community or directly with a community pharmacy.
It is important to wait at least 2 months after the prior dose of any brand before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have recently had COVID-19, you may choose to delay getting a COVID-19 vaccine for 3 months after symptoms started or after receiving a positive test with no symptoms.
Xavier University: Student Testimonials and Reviews
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Flu vaccine
University students are at a higher risk of contracting the flu due to their close interaction with other students in crowded indoor settings. Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) requires all students to receive an annual flu vaccination. Students with a higher clinical risk are also advised to consult their general practitioner to determine if they need a flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine is essential in providing annual protection against influenza infection and its complications. It is recommended that students receive their flu shots before arriving at university, as many health insurance plans cover the costs of immunizations. However, students who are unable to do so can arrange for immunizations in the local area.
Some universities, like Harvard, require students to upload documentation of their flu vaccination to a patient portal for compliance purposes. This documentation must be in English, and the process may take up to 10-15 business days for review. Students with Harvard's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) should note that the flu vaccine is not covered when administered at CVS.
To increase flu vaccination rates among university students, social marketing interventions or programs have been found to be effective. These programs aim to enhance voluntary vaccination behaviors by applying social marketing principles. Despite the potential of social marketing, there is a lack of studies specifically targeting university students to increase their flu vaccine uptake.
Exploring Prince George's University Student Population
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which are rare but life-threatening diseases. University students are at an increased risk of contracting meningitis because they are more likely to stay in halls of residence and have more close contact with other students.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is commonly recommended for university students. The HPV vaccine, which helps protect against genital warts and cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, is also suggested for students up to the age of 25. The flu vaccine is another common recommendation.
The COVID-19 vaccine is important to consider, as it has different recommendations depending on your risk factors for the disease. The polio vaccine is also worth discussing with your healthcare provider, as the disease still exists and can cause paralysis.
It's important to check with your university and healthcare provider about any specific vaccine requirements or recommendations. Some universities may have their own set of required immunizations, and your healthcare provider can advise you based on your individual needs and risk factors.
