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University of Wyoming

VACCINES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

 

Vaccines are injections which are given to prevent illnesses.  We are most familiar with receiving them as children, and now that they are required for entrance into elementary school, the incidence of many illnesses (such as polio and measles) which caused widespread outbreaks in the US has significantly decreased.  There are still many illnesses that can be prevented in the college aged population, and you should consider reviewing your immunization status to be certain you are protected against these illnesses.

 

The University of Wyoming requires two MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations for admission.  Outbreaks on college campuses in the 1990s showed that one immunization did not provide life long immunity.  Most states have a similar requirement.

 

The Meningococcal vaccine prevents an invasive bacterial disease that, although rare, results in about 300 deaths/year, with about 400 survivors having permanent disabilities such as loss of limbs.  College freshmen living in residence halls are five times more likely to get meningococcal disease than people of the same age who do not attend college; therefore, this vaccine is recommended for all college freshmen.

 

Hepatitis B vaccine protects against a virus that infects the liver.  It is given in a series of three injections and is recommended for all college students if it was not given during infancy or childhood years.  The virus is transmitted from infected blood and body fluids, although in about 25% of cases there is no known exposure.

 

Hepatitis A vaccine protects against a different virus that infects the liver and is transmitted by ingestion of infected food.  It is recommended in areas of the country where this infection is high, for international travelers to areas of the world where this infection is endemic, and persons who engage in high risk sexual practices.  There is a series of two injections, and a vaccine which combines Hepatitis A and B in a series of three injections.

 

You should receive a booster dose of the Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccination every 10 years to maintain protection against these two infections.  Tetanus is a bacterium that lives in the soil and enters the body through a wound.  Thus, if you get a wound that could be infected, you may need a booster within 5 years of your last injection.

 

Influenza is a viral illness that is most active in the winter months.  Each year new strains may be circulating, so a new vaccine is developed and available each fall.  Two vaccinations are available:  an injection and a nasal spray.  The nasal spray can only be given to healthy individuals, and the injection can be given to healthy people and those with underlying health problems.  Anyone wanting to prevent influenza should receive the vaccination, but it is especially indicated in those who are at higher risk for complications from the illness, including those who are pregnant, who have underlying medical conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and lung disease, and are elderly.  Also, all health care workers should receive the vaccine.

 

Chickenpox is a viral illness that most of us have as children.  As we get older, the infection is more severe and can lead to more complications.  Varicella vaccine is a two dose injection series for those who have not had the infection and want to be protected against chickenpox.

 

If you are allergic to an vaccine or its components, you should not receive the vaccine.  Other vaccinations may be indicated if you plan international travel.  All vaccines listed are available at the Student Health Service.  For more information about vaccines, please see:

 

www.immunize.org

http://www.cdc.gov/node.do/id/0900f3ec8000e2f3

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

 

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