Immunization Recommendations for Graduates
For high school graduates who may be going on to college, several vaccinations are now recommended. Seventeen states require proof of meningitis vaccination before college entrance. Students should be current on the following vaccinations before they reach age 19.
See the Immunization Schedule for High School Graduates for more information.
High School Grads Should Be Vaccinated Against...
Disease |
How Spread |
Symptoms |
Possible Risks |
*Given to people who have not had the disease |
|||
Usually spread by the stool-to-mouth route. This most often occurs through contact with other people, but people may also get it from contaminated food or water. |
Fever, fatigue, yellow skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and dark urine. |
Severity of illness increases with age, but complete recovery without further complications is likely. |
|
Spread through blood, saliva, semen and other body fluids. |
Generally begins with mild symptoms that may or may not become severe. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, yellow skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and dark urine. |
Liver disease, liver cancer, death. |
|
Meningitis |
Spread through coughing, sneezing, shared drinks, toothbrushes, etc. |
Severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash, diarrhea, swelling of the salivary glands. |
Causes inflammation of the membranes lining the skull and spine. |
Measles* |
Spread through coughs and sneezes. |
Measles virus causes rash, runny nose, red watery eyes, cough, and fever. |
Pneumonia, convulsions, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), death. |
Mumps* |
Spread through coughs and sneezes. |
Mumps virus causes fever, headache, and swollen glands. |
Painful swelling of the testicles and ovaries, encephalitis, meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), deafness. |
Rubella* |
Spread through coughs and sneezes. |
Rubella virus causes rash, mild fever, swollen glands, and arthritis. |
Pregnant women may have a miscarriage or stillbirth. |
Tetanus |
Infection enters the body through a contaminated wound (either major or minor). It is not contagious from person to person. It is the only vaccine-preventable disease that is infectious, but not contagious. |
Early signs include stiffness in the face and neck, headache, and irritability. |
As the poison spreads, the jaw, neck, and limbs become locked in spasms. The stomach muscles grow rigid. Painful convulsions occur. |
Diphtheria |
Spread through coughs and sneezes. |
In its early stages, diphtheria may be mistaken for a sore throat, coupled with fever and chills. |
Diphtheria can lead to problems with breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, and paralysis of the vocal cords and limbs. It can lead to death. |
Immunization Schedule for High School Graduates
(Before reaching the age of 19)
As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The following list of vaccinations should be completed before a student turns 19. Costs associated with the following vaccinations increase dramatically when administered after age 19. Make sure you are protected and save money!
When To Begin |
Vaccine |
7 Months Prior to Age 19 |
Hepatitis A |
6 Months Prior to Age 19 |
2nd Hepatitis B |
1 Month Prior to Age 19 |
2nd Hepatitis A |