College Bound? Consider the Meningococcal Vaccine
Texas College Vaccine Requirement
Meningococcal Vaccine for College students
Most parents know what vaccines their children need and at what age they should get them, but they may not realize that their college-bound child may need specific immunizations as well.
Most colleges require measles, mumps,rubella, varicella, which is chickenpox or proof of having had the disease, hepatitis B, and a tetanus booster, which is necessary only if it's been 10 years since your last shot. In addition to required vaccines for college, other vaccines recommended include the Meningitis vaccine.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine helps protect against bacterial meningitis and may be required for entrance into college.
- First-year college students living in residence halls are recommended to be vaccinated with meningococcal conjugate vaccine. If they received this vaccine before their 16th birthday, they should get a booster dose before going to college for maximum protection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, college freshmen, especially those who live in dormitories, are at an increased risk for contracting bacterial meningitis.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and an altered mental status.