Does Your Teenager Have All the Vaccines Needed for College?
Nov 06, 2020
Vaccines are effective medicines that guard against communicable diseases. Important from birth through the senior years, routine immunizations save lives. At Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston, TX, Dr. Tomas Rios and Dr. Nicolin Neal want your family to stay well. Preventing disease is a path toward this goal--both for you and your teen. Does he or she have all the vaccines needed for college?
Yes, higher education teaches young people to think, gain knowledge and wisdom, and set and attain career goals. But, have you considered how the college environment--particularly in dormitories, sports training, group assignments, and more--exposes your child to a communicable disease?
Influenza, upper respiratory infections, mono, meningitis, STDs and strep throat rank among the top reasons college students visit the infirmary or their primary care doctor if they commute, reports Healthline. At Rios Healthcare Associates, these illnesses concern Dr. Rios and his colleagues.
So, our team encourages college-bound students to get their vaccines early. Schools require them for admission and dorm life.
At our Houston, TX, office we follow the vaccine schedule for 19 to 26-year-olds set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Each vaccine stimulates your young person's immune system, creating antibodies against many diseases and their potentially devastating consequences. Additionally, with each individual vaccinated, community, or herd, immunity increases, protecting those most at risk for complications and those who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons.
The "shots" protect against many illnesses, including:
Additionally, the CDC recommends you check your teen's immunization record to be sure he or she is up to date on all childhood vaccines. Fortunately, the staff at Rios Healthcare Associates helps families maintain these records, making them available for work, school, sports, and other venues as needed.
Vaccines are a great way to ensure your teen stays healthy in college. Phone Dr. Tomas Rios and Dr. Nicolin Neal at Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston, TX, for more information. Call (832) 323-9230. We are open seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm for your convenience, and as always, walk-ins are welcome!