How to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Staying Up-to-Date with Your Vaccines While in College

You received all your vaccines as a young child, so you're set for life, right? Not so. Not only do many vaccines given to children wear off over time, many vaccines that adults need they may not have received as a child. Two common examples include the HPV and meningitis vaccines. 

With the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, there are now additional precautions students can take by receiving the COVID vaccine. Covered below are the vaccines college students may need, whether it's due to prior vaccines wearing off or further protection as students move into adulthood. We also list some resources on where to get vaccinated.

COVID Vaccine on Campus

During the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak many colleges moved to online college classes. As states reopen, universities are welcoming students back on campus. Some schools require that students receive the vaccine before resuming regular classes. Students should research their current school policies on the COVID vaccine.

Currently, there are three different vaccines available. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna both require two doses to be considered fully vaccinated. The Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine has resumed in the United States and requires one dose. Below are three vaccine finders that allow students to locate vaccination sites. Students should also look for their state specific vaccine finder.

Vaccine Finders:

• CDC Vaccine Finder
• Vaccines.gov
• Findashot.org

College Vaccine Checklist

College students are at higher risk for certain infections. For example, students living in close proximity to others, such as in a dorm or a shared apartment, are at higher risk of contracting meningitis. Those who are sexually active should look into the HPV vaccine to protect them from certain cancers later in life.

The following is a list of commonly required college vaccinations for incoming students and their average cost. Because each school will have its own policy as to which vaccines it will require, students should check to confirm vaccination requirements. Additionally, schools may provide free or low-cost vaccinations, so knowing what the going rate of a given vaccination can help students make a more informed decision on how and where to be vaccinated.

Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)

The meningococcal vaccine helps prevent infection from the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which often attack the meninges of the brain and spinal cord. This vaccine is recommended for anyone living in close proximity with others.

Average cost: $115 – $160 (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

This prevents three common diseases that used to be common among children, and are unfortunately making a comeback. Measles causes a rash and cold-like symptoms. It can eventually lead to seizures, pneumonia and brain damage. Mumps causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to meningitis, deafness, sterility and death. Rubella causes a rash and arthritis, but in pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriage or birth defects. This vaccine is recommended for all adults who have either not received any booster since childhood or have not already had all three diseases.

Average cost: $70 (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis (Tdap)

The Tdap vaccine protects against three serious diseases. Tetanus causes painful muscle tightening all over the body, especially around the head and neck, which can make it difficult to open your mouth and even breathe. Diphtheria creates a thick coating in the throat and can lead to breathing problems. Pertussis causes extremely severe coughing spells which can disturb sleep and make eating and breathing difficult. Individuals who have not received a booster and were vaccinated with the Tdap vaccine 10 or more years ago should get this vaccine.

Average cost: $45 (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

Varicella (Chickenpox)

The varicella vaccine prevents chickenpox, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It's an extremely contagious disease that causes itchy skin rashes. Any college student who has not received the chickenpox vaccine or had chickenpox should become vaccinated.

Average cost: $120 (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus infecting the liver, which can cause liver failure, cancer and eventually death. Any adult who is sexually active or has chronic liver disease should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Average cost: $55 (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

Polio (IPV)

Most adults do not need this vaccine as long as they were vaccinated as children. However, individuals who may be exposed to the polio virus, such as those in medical research or traveling overseas, should get be re-vaccinated.

Average cost: $50 – $100 for the booster (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

Many schools don't require, but recommend the following vaccines:

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The HPV vaccine protects against common strains of the human papillomavirus that causes genital warts. This vaccine is now recommended for men and women up to the age of 26 years.

Average cost: $205 (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A vaccine prevents infection with the hepatitis A virus. It attacks the liver and spreads when people do not wash their hands after using the restroom. Hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for anyone who uses illegal drugs, has chronic liver disease or expects to have close personal contact with others when traveling abroad.

Average cost: $55 – $65 (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23)

These two vaccines immunize individuals from 36 total strains of the pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause pneumococcal disease, which in turn can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia. Adults who smoke, have cochlear implants, suffer from chronic diseases or have a compromised immune system should receive the pneumococcal vaccine.

Average cost: $95 for the PCV13 vaccine and $170 for PPSV23 vaccine.

Influenza

The influenza vaccine works to reduce the chances of getting the flu. Anyone who has a compromised immune system or simply wants to avoid the flu should get this vaccine.

Average cost: $15 – $20 (out of pocket cost, assuming no insurance coverage)

What if you've already been vaccinated – or you're not sure?

Ideally, you or your parents will have a copy of your childhood vaccination records. Don't have them? Try contacting any doctor's office or medical clinic where you received a vaccination shot. If you went to a prior school or had an employer that required certain vaccinations, they may have a copy you previously provided to enroll or start working. Finally, you can try your state's health department or health agency, which may have an immunization database.

Where to Get Vaccinated

There are many places you can receive vaccines. The following list of locations should provide many of the vaccines typically required for enrollment in college.

Providing Proof of Vaccination

Colleges who have vaccination requirements will provide proof from the student. This proof can be provided in three ways.

• Their healthcare provider can complete a form indicating what vaccinations the student received and when.
• The student can provide immunization records from an official source, such as their doctor's office.
• If an official document contains vaccination information showing the student meets the college's requirements (such as a transcript from another school that contains vaccination information), this may be sufficient proof of vaccinations.

Vaccination Exemptions

Most schools with vaccination requirements also allow students to forego the vaccinations if they apply for and are granted a waiver. Often, this waiver is for the meningitis vaccine only, although some schools allow waivers for all their vaccination requirements. There are three potential exemptions:

Religious

Even though almost no religion prohibits vaccinations, students may be able to use a religion as a basis for their exemption. Signing a waiver is typically all that is required to obtain a religious waiver, with no proof of religious affiliation needed.

Medical

Some people have medical conditions that make it dangerous to get certain vaccines. For example, those who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or a previous history of allergic reaction to vaccines may have a justifiable medical reason to avoid some or all of a school's required vaccines.

Philosophical and Moral

Most schools do not allow for waivers on this basis, but a select few may. A philosophical or moral opposition to vaccinations is commonly based on a variety of reasons, such as their perceived lack safety or effectiveness, pharmaceutical industry conspiracies or the idea that individuals should not be forced to inject anything into their bodies they don't want to.

Additional Resources

Vaccines can be confusing, especially those with conflicting information about their effectiveness and how they work. Figuring out where and how to get vaccinated, as well as providing proof of vaccination, can be a daunting task for some. Luckily, there are a variety of resources available online.

American College Health Association

A leading organization focusing on college health issues. They have a special vaccine page listing available resources on immunization and vaccination topics.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A U.S. government agency and world leader in maintaining public health. The immunization portion of the CDC website explains vaccination needs for children and adults, as well as certain at-risk individuals. The CDC also provides plenty of resources for obtaining immunization related medical care.

Healthcare.gov

The official U.S. government health insurance exchange website where individuals can enroll in Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act health insurance plans. This website is only available to those in states that chose not to run their own healthcare exchanges.

Healthfinder.gov

Part of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, healthfinder.gov has special pages devoted to getting vaccinated, including vaccines recommended for adults.

Minnesota Department of Health

This is a special website dedicated to explaining the meningococcal disease in great detail and how individuals can protect themselves, such as through vaccinations.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The FDA oversees the safety of the drugs and medications available in the United States. Its website provides detailed information about how vaccines are regulated and approved for use in the United States.

Vaccines.gov

Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vaccines.gov provides a comprehensive overview of vaccines, from what they are to how to find a place to become vaccinated.

WebMD

Provides general health insurance online, but has a special question and answer page with common questions concerning college vaccination requirements.

Expert Interview

Laurie Endicott Thomas, has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked as an editor in medical and academic publishing for more than 25 years. She is also an antiwar activist who has written five books on topics related to public education and public health. Her book No More Measles! The Truth About Vaccines and Your Health tells you everything you need to know about infectious diseases and vaccinations

Many people are nervous about vaccinations. What would you tell students who are hesitant to get the vaccinations they need?

If you lived on Gilligan's Island, whom would you ask for advice about vaccinations: the Professor or Ginger Grant the movie star? The smart person would take advice from the Professor! Your doctor or nurse practitioner is like the Professor. Doctors and nurse practitioners have had formal training in how to prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious diseases. Many doctors and nurse practitioners have seen actual cases of whooping cough or bacterial meningitis in the pediatric intensive care ward. They know how serious these diseases are. They would rather prevent those diseases than treat them!

What side effects should students expect in the days following the most common vaccinations?

Most of the side effects of vaccination are mild and temporary. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site, which may last for a few days. Some young people are prone to fainting after any injection. To avoid that problem, rest for a few minutes after the injection.

Any tips you'd like to offer college students to help them stay healthy on campus?

Some infectious diseases spread easily on college campuses because a large number of young people are brought together in close contact. Vaccination is the only reliable way to prevent diseases that are easily spread by airborne droplets. There are even some vaccines that are useful for preventing some sexually transmitted diseases, namely hepatitis B and human papillomavirus. To avoid catching other diseases, do not share personal items, such as drinking glasses or razors. The most effective way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sex. If you do have sex, use a condom correctly, every single time. To stay healthy on campus, you also need to eat a healthy diet and refrain from abusing alcohol and drugs.