Immunizations for College Students

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests older children get these vaccinations if they did not already get all recommended doses:

• Hepatitis B series
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) series (recommended for all girls)
• Polio series
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) series
• Meningococcal conjugate (MCV4)
• Tetanus-diptheria — tetnus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
• Varicella (chickenpox) series — A second varicella shot is now recommended for children, adolescents and adults who have received one dose in the past.

In addition, influenza vaccinations are recommended each year. It is important to note that specific health conditions and family medical history may alert your doctor to additional recommended vaccines which could include:

• Hepatitis A
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV) or Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) vaccine

Download the Children's Wellness Guidelines or an immunization schedule from the CDC to keep on top of vaccinations. Note that the recommendations are based on a child's age and are updated from time to time.

For school- or college-age children, be sure to check with your school for state-specific immunization requirements.

This article is not meant to replace a doctor's advice. Be sure to talk to your doctor about immunizations you may need.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research