Get Smart, Get Shots! Immunization Advice for College Students
Updated: 3.11.11
College Prep?
Get Protected From Meningitis, HPV, Tetanus and Pertussis!
Immunization Advice for College Students
Have a student getting ready to go off to college? Make sure you've packed everything your student needs, including good health. Check with your child's doctor about back-to-school vaccines. With new vaccines being licensed yearly and vaccine recommendations changing, now is the time to make sure a student's immunization records are complete. A student's health history and activities should be considered in deciding what vaccines to receive.
Required Immunization: Meningococcal (Meningitis) for College Students in Maryland
Maryland law requires that individuals who reside in on-campus housing at Maryland institutions of higher education be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. An individual may be exempt from the requirement if the individual or his/her parent or guardian signs a waiver. Waivers are to be provided by the college; however, institutions are not required by this law to provide or pay for vaccinations for meningococcal disease.
Some previously vaccinated children may need a booster dose. Check with your health care provider.
Routine immunizations include:
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (Td, Tdap)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Meningococcal
Other immunizations to consider:
- Influenza (every year)
- Hepatitis A
- HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
Where to go for immunizations:
Ask your family doctor about vaccines. If you do not have a doctor, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health provides routine immunizations for children from 2 months to 18 years of age at area health centers by appointment and through scheduled walk-in clinics. Vaccinations are free; however, donations up to $10 are appreciated. Call one of the following health centers Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., for information.
|
Glen Burnie Health Center |
410-222-6633 |
|
Parole Health Center |
410-222-7247 |
For more information about college student and young adult immunizations, call Immunization Services at the Department of Health at 410-222-4896.
Click on one of the links below for information about specific immunizations.