Dreading the whole needles thing, but I understand it's necessary. So, getting straight to it, does anyone know the typical immunizations most students are required to get before going to college? Just want to mentally prep myself for all of this. Thanks in advance, folks.
Sure thing! It varies by institution, but most colleges and universities in the U.S. do have immunization requirements as a condition of enrollment. Here are some general categories of immunizations often required:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): This typically includes two doses of the vaccine.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP): Some schools may require the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) booster for students.
- Meningococcal Vaccine: Protects against bacterial meningitis, which can be prevalent in college environments.
- Hepatitis B: This series of three vaccines protects against Hep B, a liver disease. Some colleges also require Hepatitis A vaccine.
In addition to these, some schools may also require:
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: If you never had chickenpox or the vaccine.
- TB (Tuberculosis) Test: Usually required if you've traveled to certain countries, or come from a high-risk group.
- Polio Vaccine: Some schools require this, especially if you are an international student.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Many colleges and universities have started requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students.
Remember that this is a general list, and individual colleges may have additional requirements or exception policies (like exemptions for certain vaccines due to medical or religious reasons). Always check the specific health services website of the college(s) you're interested in for the most accurate and timely information. And of course, while it can be daunting, these vaccines help avoid outbreaks and protect the overall health and safety of the student body.
Best of luck with the process! It's completely normal to feel uneasy about this, but remember, these immunizations are there to keep you and your college community safe.
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