Books, linens, shower sandals: check. Computer, CDs, laundry money: check. Up-to-date vaccinations – better double check that.
As teenagers prepare to head off to college, there are a lot of things on the back-to-school checklists. One of the most important items should be making sure they’re caught up on any necessary vaccinations, especially Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4), which prevents meningococcal disease, a common cause of bacterial meningitis. The vaccination is only one dose and can be given at most doctor’s offices any time before school starts.
According to the Center for Disease Control, bacterial meningitis is an infection of brain and spinal cord fluids.
“People can have very serious complications,” said Dr. Nimisha Shah, an internal medicine practitioner in Morgan Hill.
The disease can cause serious damage if left untreated, including deafness, impaired mental functions, the loss of arms or legs or even death. The odds of surviving untreated bacterial meningitis are not good – it’s fatal 90 percent of the time, said Dr. Peter Coelho, a family practitioner in Hollister.
There are two good reasons for college-bound teenagers to ask their doctor for the vaccination.
“(Bacterial meningitis) is most prevalent in that age group,” said Shah. Also, living in a crowded environment such as a college dormitory increases the risk of infection.
“You can carry this bacteria in your nose and not get meningitis,” said Coelho.
Since the bacteria is spread through substances in the nose or throat – coughing or kissing can pass it on – one person can unknowingly infect another. Vaccination before attending college can help protect teens from the bacteria.
Bacterial meningitis is not the only disease teens should be protected against. Hepatitis B (California requires all students entering seventh grade to be vaccinated, but immunization records should be double-checked), Hepatitis A and the flu are all important vaccinations to receive as well.
Vaccinations for diseases such as malaria and yellow fever, typically given before international travel, should be given “depending on the area of the world” a teen’s school is in, said Shah.
Teenagers should also be caught up on all childhood immunizations, including rubella, chicken pox, measles, mumps and tetanus.
“Chicken pox can be very serious in college,” said Coelho. “You’re more likely to develop an infection of the lungs.”
Shah recommended that teens have their annual physicals completed before they leave for school. To care for their health while away at school, Coelho recommended that teens “get plugged into the student heath center,” before they leave, making sure they know what services are available to them.
As for parents eager to make sure their child is completely healthy before they leave, Coelho advised parents to make sure kids are aware of student health facilities.
