Last updated: January 13, 2022
Get Smart, Get Shots!
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 with meningococcal conjugate vaccine or MCV4. This vaccine protects against strains A,C, W and Y.
Some previously vaccinated children may need a booster dose. Check with your health care provider. Due to routine vaccination with MCV4 (A,C,W and Y), meningococcal group B strain has emerged as a cause of outbreaks on college campuses in recent years. Vaccine to protect against group B meningococcal strain (Bexsero, Trumenba) is now available. It may be administered between ages 16 and 18.
Routine immunizations include:
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (Td, Tdap)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Meningococcal MCV4 (Groups A, C, W and Y)
Other immunizations to consider:
- Influenza (every year)
- Hepatitis A
- HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)
- Meningococcal B
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
Where to go for immunizations:
Ask your medical provider, or local pharmacist about vaccines. If you do not have a doctor, the Anne Arundel County Department of Health provides routine immunizations for children who qualify for the federal Vaccines for Children Program and are from 2 months through 18 years of age. The immunizations are provided at area health centers by appointment. Vaccinations are free; however, a $14 administration fee is charged. Call one of the following health centers Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for information.
| Glen Burnie Health Center 416 A Street, S.W., Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410-222-6633 |
Parole Health Center 1950 Drew Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 410-222-7247 |
Click on one of the links below for information about specific immunizations.