Even though your college may not require vaccines, protecting yourself against vaccine-preventable diseases is a smart move. You should check with your health care provider to make sure you are protected before going to school.

Vaccine Information

• Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)

Which Vaccines Are Required For College Entry?

NH law does not require vaccines to enter college. However, each college may establish their own rules about what immunizations are needed to enter. You should check your college's registration packet for details on what's required for your school.

Vaccines that may be required for entering college students:

The American College Health Association's Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Task Force recommends the following vaccines for all new college students. Your college may require any or all of them. Outbreaks of these diseases still occur on college campuses.

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP): Most young adults have completed a primary series against these diseases. However, a booster of tetanus containing vaccine is needed every 10 years. A recently licensed TDAP vaccine is recommended as a one-time booster for individuals 11-64 years of age.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Two doses of the MMR vaccine should be given to anyone born in 1957, or after.
• Hepatitis B (HBV): Anyone thinking of entering a health care field should get this series before starting any clinical work. Also, anyone who has more than one sex partner in 6 months, anyone who has been treated for a sexually transmitted disease, and anyone who injects drugs should be immunized.
• Polio (OPV or IPV): Most young adults have completed a series against this disease. However, if you're planning on any trips to high-risk areas (the African continent or Southeast Asia), you should check to see if a booster is needed.
• Influenza Virus Vaccine (Flu): Because of the close quarters on any campus, college students should consider getting an influenza shot each year. The optimum time to get a flu shot is October - November, however, you may receive a flu shot through the end of flu season, which usually runs from December through April. Influenza can make you sick enough to miss out on classes for two weeks.
• Meningococcal Vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for all college freshmen living in dorms and may be required for college entrance. It's important to know that the vaccine only protects against certain strains of meningitis.
• Traveler's Vaccines: Anyone who wants to travel abroad should be up-to-date on their childhood immunizations. Depending on where you travel, other vaccines may be required or recommended. Discuss your itinerary with your health care provider or a travel specialty clinic.

Where Can I Be Immunized?

Check with your regular health care provider or college health service. Also, many community health agencies and health departments offer immunizations at little or no cost.