Announcements

Get Vaccinated Before Heading Back to Campus
7/25/08 -- Lorain County General Health District Health Commissioner, Kenneth G. Pearce, reminds parents to plan ahead for immunizations recommended for entry into college. As high school seniors prepare for graduation, apply for summer jobs, and get one step closer to moving away to college, one thing they probably aren't thinking about is getting immunized against diseases like meningococcal meningitis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection.

However, it's something all students, especially those who are planning to live in a dormitory or residence hall, should consider since they are at the greatest risk for meningitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunization is the best protection against meningococcal disease.

"Vaccines are not just for babies and young children. As children get older, the protection provided by some early childhood vaccines can wear off," states Lorain County Health Commissioner Kenneth G. Pearce.

"Children also generally develop risks for more diseases as they approach their teen years. For these reasons, older children (including teens) need to receive recommended vaccinations," continues Pearce.

The following vaccinations are recommended for teens and college students:

• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis vaccine
  (good for 5-10 years)


• Meningococcal vaccine*


• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine- series of 3


• Hepatitis B vaccine- series of 3


• Polio vaccine- series of 3-4


• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine- series of 2


• Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine- series of 2


• Influenza vaccine- yearly


• Hepatitis A vaccine- series of 2

* Recommended for previously unvaccinated college freshmen living in dormitories.

The Lorain County General Health District urges parents and college students to add immunizations to their back-to-school preparations. For a schedule of upcoming immunization clinics, contact the Lorain County General Health District at (440) 322-6367, 244-2209, or 236-8722, or visit www.loraincountyhealth.com.