The Importance of Immunizations for College Students at CU Boulder
As college students at CU Boulder prepare to return to campus for the new school year, it’s important to remember the significance of immunizations. Immunizations, or vaccines, are critical to maintaining good health and preventing the spread of contagious diseases. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of immunizations for college students, and why it’s essential to have them up to date.
Protecting Yourself and Those Around You
Immunizations are designed to protect you, your classmates, and those around you from infectious diseases. Maintaining good health will help you stay in top shape academically and socially, while also preventing the spread of preventable illnesses like the flu, measles, and meningitis. By getting immunized, you’ll feel better and will be able to concentrate on your studies without the disruption of being ill.
Immunizations Required for College Students
State law requires that all college students attending CU Boulder have certain immunizations. These include the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against bacterial meningitis, which can be deadly within hours of onset. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, which can cause serious health problems, including brain damage, deafness, and even death. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which can cause serious respiratory problems and lead to death in some cases.
Other Recommended Immunizations
In addition to state-required immunizations, it’s recommended that college students also receive the annual influenza vaccine. The flu is highly contagious and can spread quickly through college campuses, causing significant disruptions to academic and social life. Other recommended vaccines include the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against the virus that causes cervical and other types of cancer; and the varicella vaccine, which protects against chickenpox and shingles.
Why It’s Important to Stay Up to Date on Immunizations
It’s important to stay up to date on immunizations because the effectiveness of some vaccines may decrease over time, leaving you and those around you vulnerable to preventable illnesses. In addition, new strains of viruses and bacteria can develop, making it necessary to get updated vaccines to maintain immunity. Staying current on your immunizations not only protects your health but also helps to maintain the health of those around you, especially those who may not be able to receive certain vaccines due to medical reasons.
Conclusion
Immunizations are crucial for college students to maintain their health and academic success while preventing the spread of contagious diseases. By staying up to date on required and recommended immunizations, college students can reduce their risk of contracting and spreading preventable illnesses. Remember, protecting yourself and those around you through immunizations should be a top priority as you prepare to head back to CU Boulder for the upcoming school year.
