Immunizations

About Immunizations

Meningococcal Disease
Bacterial meningitis is a very serious, potentially fatal illness. While it is fairly rare, first-year students living in residence halls have a statistically higher chance of getting the disease than young adults of the same age who aren't college freshmen living in residence halls.

Meningitis: Possible to Prevent, Dangerous to Ignore

Updated Recommendations: Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines (CDC)

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious infectious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The highest rate of disease occurs in individuals between the ages of 20 and 49 and living in close quarters (like a residence hall) can increase the risk of exposure. There is no cure for Hepatitis B, but the infection can be prevented by vaccination. The American College Health Association (AHCA) recommends that all college students be vaccinated.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
The HPV vaccine series is highly recommended for all adolescents and young adults. It is a series of 3 injections given over 6 months. HPV is a very common infection, spread easily by skin-to-skin contact. HPV commonly causes genital warts and a few types can cause cervical and other cancers. The vaccine will greatly reduce your risk of getting HPV.

Recent media attention has questioned the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Clinical trials by the FDA show that the vaccine is highly effective in reducing cancers caused by HPV and reducing the incidence of genital warts in both men and women. Nearly 60 million doses of the vaccine have been given with the main side effect being discomfort at the injection site. A few individuals may experience dizziness, fainting or other minor effects immediately after receiving the vaccine.

 

For further vaccine information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

If you are from Florida and your healthcare provider is a participating physician, you can log in to Florida Shots to print a copy of your Immunization Records to submit with your Medical History form.