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University Health and Counseling Services
Immunizations
Recommended
The following are
recommended vaccinations, which we
encourage you to consider. Your health care
provider can assist you with your decision of
which vaccines are right for you or call
University Health Services for more detailed
information. The vaccines are made available to
you at University Health Services for a fee.
Hepatitis B
Vaccine- Hepatitis B is a viral infection of
the liver spread by sexual activity or exposure
to blood or body fluids. A vaccine series of
three shots given over 6 months provides
immunity. The vaccine is considered very
effective and safe. If you are under 18 years of
age Hepatitis B vaccine is provided free by the
state. Talk with your health care provider or
call University Health Services for more
information. We recommend this vaccine to all
students.
Human Papilloma
Virus Vaccine (Gardasil)- There are many
strains of HPV, some causing genital warts and
other causing changes that can lead to cervical
cancer. Gardasil is a series of 3 shots over 6
months, protecting against 4 of the most common
types of HPV. It’s approved for women 9-26 years
old.
Influenza
Vaccine- Influenza vaccine is offered
yearly, usually late fall and early winter. The
vaccine must be received each year to protect
against the strains predicted for that flu
season. A flu shot is highly recommended
for all college students, and particularly for
anyone with an illness or condition, which might
increase their susceptibility to severe
influenza illness. Look for our postings on
campus and in the school newspaper to receive
your flu shot at University Health Services.
Meningococcal
Vaccine- Meningococcal disease is a rare but
very serious infection. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention advocates that college
students, particularly freshmen living in
residence halls, be educated about meningococcal
meningitis and the benefits of vaccination. This
recommendation is based on recent studies
showing that college students, particularly
freshmen living in residence halls, have a six
fold increased risk of meningococcal meningitis.
It should also be considered for students with
medical conditions that compromise immunity
(e.g. HIV, absent spleen, cancer) and for
students traveling to areas of the world with
endemic meningococcal disease.
TdaP-
protects against Tetanus, Diphtheria and
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough. TdaP
is highly recommended, especially for students
planning to work with children or the elderly,
for example in the healthcare or education
fields.
Varicella
(chickenpox) Vaccine- This vaccine is
suggested for anyone who has not had the
chickenpox as a child. If you are unsure a blood
test is available to determine immunity.
Tuberculosis
Testing (TB)- This is not a vaccine, but an
early detection method for tuberculosis
infection. TB has been on the rise in recent
years and we strongly encourage testing before
coming to college. It is also required for
students involved in College of Nursing courses.
A TB test may be recommended for travel abroad.
Portland Campus 780-4211 Gorham Campus
780-5411 (www.usm.maine.edu/uhcs) |
