Health Watch: Getting Vaccinated Before College

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's that time of year, college students heading back to school, and a trip to the doctor for shots is a must for many. Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl is On Your Side with what immunizations are typically required.

Gracen Gilmore is going to be a college freshman and is getting the required vaccinations before starting the school year.

States and universities have different requirements for new students, but generally, "Most schools will probably either require or strongly recommend measles, mumps and rubella, varicella, which is chicken pox, or proof of having had the disease, Hepatitis B and tetanus," said Dr. Maureen Olson, a Student Health Services Director.

Because students live in such close quarters in dorms, most health officials encourage college-aged kids to also be vaccinated against sexually transmitted HPV, pneumonia, hepatitis A, and meningitis.

"Many at that age group will frequently share a drink or share a towel, and so meningitis has been shown to have an increased incidence in close living quarters such as a dorm," said Dr. Olson.

And students shouldn't forget to get the recommended flu shot, when it becomes available.

"I hope that I can remember to get my flu shot so I won't ever have to get the flu," said Gracen.

For more information on vaccines for college students, click here.

For more information on health and safety for college students, click here.

Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS3