College of Charleston | Student Health Services

Optional Immunizations

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. A vaccine is available to protect against some strains of bacterial meningitis. The American College Health Association has made the recommendation that college-bound students consider the meningitis vaccine. It would be advisable to discuss this recommendation with your family health care provider prior to coming to school, especially for those planning on residing in the residence halls. This vaccine is available at Student Health Services for a fee.

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus, can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable illness. The Hepatitis B vaccines consist of a series of three vaccines given at 0 – 1 – 6 months. This vaccine is available at Student Health Services for a fee.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A can affect anyone. In the United States, Hepatitis A can occur in situations ranging from isolated cases of disease to widespread epidemics. Good personal hygiene and proper sanitation can help prevent hepatitis A. Students planning international travel and those with other risk factors should consider getting this vaccine. This vaccine is given in a series of two vaccines at 0 – 6 months. Student Health Services offers this vaccine for a fee.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a vaccine that helps to protect against diseases such as cervical cancer and genital warts and is recommended for all female college students through the age of 26. The vaccine is given in a series of three vaccines at 0 – 2 – 6 months and is available for a fee.

Varicella, also called the chicken pox vaccine, is recommended to all college students who do not have evidence of immunity, such as a history of the disease or prior vaccination. Two doses are recommended four weeks apart. Arrangements may be made to receive this vaccine at Student Health Services.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. A flu shot can be given to anyone who wants to avoid the flu. Because the flu shot is made from inactivated viruses, the shot can not give you the flu. Flu vaccines are available in late fall at the Student Health Services and on certain dates at residence halls. Flu vaccine is free to all students.

Additional Resources

ACHA Guidelines: Recommendations for Institutional Prematriculation Immunizations http://www.acha.org/info_resources/RIPIstatement.pdf

For more information please view The Healthy Student, a parent's guide to preparing teens for college. The guide is available in PDF format at http://www.adolescenthealth.org/The_Healthy_Student.pdf