Thursday, August 1, 2013
Vaccines are not just for children. Immunizations are needed throughout your adult life to help you stay healthy. That's because immunity from childhood diseases may wear off over time, and you may also be at risk for other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Getting ready for college means making sure you are up to date on all doses of the recommended vaccines—both to protect yourself and others around you. Because some diseases can spread quickly in settings like college dorms and classrooms, many colleges and universities have vaccination entry requirements.
Everyone age 6 months and older should have a flu shot every year. And every adult should get the Tdap vaccine once, to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster every 10 years. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls ages 11-12. Young women and men who have not started or finished the HPV vaccine series may be vaccinated through age 26. Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for young adults, especially students who will be living in dorms.
Your need for other vaccines depends on factors such as your childhood vaccination history, travel plans, personal health status and risks. For more information on vaccines go to http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/college.html .
Vaccines are available at private doctor offices and convenient locations such as pharmacies, clinics, workplaces and public health departments. Contact your local immunization provider and make an appointment today.
Mono County Students: Refer to Public Health Immunization Clinic Schedule @ http://monohealth.com/public-health/page/immunization-program or the Mono County Health Department or call (760) 924-1830 for an appointment.
For further information, please contact Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260