GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE

COLLEGE PREP: IMMUNIZATION UPDATE

By Russell G. Robertson, MD

Bet you thought that by now shots were an event associated with childhood visits to the doctor. Surprisingly, it’s really good news that a few immunizations before you head off to college will keep you healthy and give your parents a few less things to worry about while you are away. Many of you are understandably excited about the prospect of dorm life and all that it entails, but one of the risks is that diseases spread much more rapidly among individuals living in close proximity to one another. So it makes sense to determine what those illnesses are and to prevent them, especially if the consequences are potentially serious.

First, ask your parents for your childhood immunization records and make them yours from now on. Check to make sure that you’ve had your tetanus booster (due every 10 years) and that the others are all up-to-date, including hepatitis A and B.

The most serious infection is called meningococcal meningitis. This is an especially aggressive bacteria that has as its point of most lethal attack the lining of the brain and spinal cord that can be fatal. A single immunization will prevent the most common strain and should be available at most physicians’ offices or at the student health service at your college.

Mumps has made a return this past year and has infected thousands of university students. For most people, the major symptoms are swollen and tender salivary glands with the course of the disease mostly harmless. Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles, can result in male infertility, and there are rare occurrences of inflammation of the brain that can result in lasting damage. There are two approaches to mumps. You can get a blood test to see if you are still immune. If not, you need to be re-immunized. If you only want one “poke” and the security of protection, get the shot – no harm, no foul.

Gardisil is a new immunization against human papilloma virus – the virus that causes cervical cancer. In men, this virus often produces “warts” that can appear on the penis or at the base of the scrotum. During unprotected sexual intercourse (without a condom), the virus is transmitted to the woman. Keep in mind that the areas not covered by a condom can still transmit the virus. The only way to check for the presence of the virus on the cervix is via a pap smear. It is otherwise silent until cancer presents in later stages, when it may be incurable.

The vaccine is harmless and poses no risks. The key issue is whether or not one intends to engage in sexual intercourse or behavior that inhibits one’s judgment (alcohol and drug use). If available, seasonal flu shots are a good idea. See if the student health clinic has them.

The best way to prepare is to get all of this done the summer before you go to school so your immune system has the time to build up the necessary antibodies. It might mean a sore arm for a few days, but that beats getting sick before finals or missing a night out with friends.

Russell G. Robertson, MD, is professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.