From buying books for class to organizing your dorm room, there are many things that you’ll need to do before entering college. But as you prepare for university life, it’s important not to put your health on the back burner. Specifically, you should visit a physician to get all important immunizations before heading off to school. To help make sure your immune system is protected, here are four simple and affordable vaccines that all rising freshman should receive.

4 Immunizations All Students Should Get Before Heading to College

1. Meningococcal Conjugate

The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is designed to protect against bacterial meningitis. The bacteria that causes this condition can spread quickly, infecting the membranes that protect the spinal cord and the brain. Within hours of contracting the disease, individuals face a very high risk of hospitalization, as well as death. Since bacteria can spread easily in close quarters, this vaccine is highly recommended — and often required — for all college students who are moving into dorms.

2.  HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV) — a virus that is easily exchanged amongst sexually active individuals. While many HPV infections can clear up on their own with no complications, some strains of the virus are known to cause cervical, penile, anal, and oral cancers. It’s recommended that children should receive their first HPV vaccine around the ages of 11 or 12. However, it can still be beneficial for young adults who have never received the immunization before.

3. Tdap Booster

The Tdap booster is a vaccine that defends against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis — potentially life-threatening bacterial infections. Typically, physicians will provide this booster at age 11 or 12. However, if you didn’t receive it at that time, you should get the shot before entering college and once again every ten years.

4. Annual Flu Shot

The annual flu shot is recommended for people of all ages as a way to strengthen the body against influenza viruses that are expected to be prevalent. Given how contagious the flu can be, it’s important for all college students to get vaccinated, as they can easily contract the virus from shared facilities, dorms, and classrooms. Since the annual flu shot isn’t available until October, freshmen who are entering in the fall will need to see a physician for the vaccine during their first semester.

Whether you’re attending college in Alabama or heading to an out-of-state university, Robertsdale Urgent Care can help you protect your health. Located in Baldwin County, AL, this family medical practice offers a variety of medical services — including vaccinations — to patients of all ages. With no need for an appointment, this convenient alternative to a general physician can provide immunizations quickly, comfortably, and cost-effectively. For more details on their services, visit the urgent care center online. To learn about their vaccination options, call a friendly staff member at (251) 947-3591.