It makes sense that National Immunization Awareness Month is August, as students of all ages head back to school. Keeping up with routine vaccinations is important for public health, and of course for the wellbeing of students themselves.
Vaccines are especially divisive right now, but it’s important to remember why they exist: to keep kids and adults safe from dangerous diseases that spread especially fast within close-knit classrooms and jam-packed dorms. This goes for everyone, with or without compromised immune systems.
In general, required vaccinations may vary by state and even by school. For example, some schools will require students and staff to have the COVID-19 vaccine, while other schools may not require proof of vaccination to be on campus or in the classroom. Of course, pre-pandemic, students and parents all over the US were already aware of (and hopefully abiding by!) other required and recommended vaccinations.
For anyone under 18, check out the CDC’s has a handy immunization schedule table here, which breaks down the vaccine requirements and recommendations at different ages. This is helpful for kids and families that need catching up, too
As mentioned, every state and school could be different, but here are the most commonly required vaccines for college-age young adults (per CSU):
- Hepatitis B (Hep B)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Meningococcal Disease (Serogroups A, C, Y, W-135)
- Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)
- Tuberculosis Screening/Risk Assessment (TB)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
In addition to that, we encourage students to keep up with the list of recommended vaccines, too, which can include:
- Influenza (Flu)
- Hepatitis A (Hep A)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal B (Meningitis B)
- Pneumococcal
- Poliovirus (Polio)
Ask your pediatrician or doctor about getting you or your family vaccinated. Many colleges also offer vaccines at their on-campus medical centers for students. Need help finding the right place to get vaxxed? Contact us today.