Dr. Peg provides immunization check-list for the college-bound:

Your child is in college. Can you believe it? Doesn't it seem like just yesterday you applauded the very first toddling steps? And now look at those giant strides. Good job! You have raised a scholar. I'm sure you also watched out for their health all these years, kissed their boo-boos and took them to the doctor for their shots. They're all up to date and ready to go out and face the world, right? Are you sure?

You deserve to sit back and enjoy your success. But before you get too comfy, please think about this: even grown-up kids need shots. Check this list of recommended adult immunizations against your grown-up kids' records.

H1N1 or The Influenza Formerly Known As Swine Flu. Everyone is thinking about this one, no doubt. Vaccines are not yet available, but when they get here, college students will be among the first to get them. Stay tuned. We expect a lot of students will get H1N1 flu this year, and most of them will recover uneventfully at home.

Measeles/Mumps/Rubella. UNM actually requires that students be immune to these diseases, which come as a trifecta in the MMR shot. If your child has had two in their lifetime, they are set.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis. A tetanus booster is recommended every ten years, or more often in case of a dirty wound. The tetanus booster used to be combined with a diphtheria booster as "TD" or "DT." A new form of this vaccine called TDAP includes Pertussis. Also known as "whooping cough," pertussis is making a comeback, and it turns out that the childhood immunization for it doesn't last a lifetime after all.

Meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a dangerous infection of the brain that spreads more readily in close quarters like dorms. Many colleges recommend this one, especially for dorm dwellers.

Flu. Every winter influenza or "flu" makes a pass through UNM. Here I'm talking about the regular seasonal flu. Since this one shifts its shape every year, last year's vaccine won't work on this year's flu.

Hepatitis B is passed through blood and body fluids, like during sex or by accidental exposure in a healthcare setting. Babies are routinely given the Hepatitis B series now, but your child might have been beyond babyhood when this practice was implemented. It is a 3-shot series and well worth getting, in my opinion, since getting the disease can cause lifelong liver problems.

HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus, the virus responsible for most cases of cancer of the cervix. Unfortunately, this cancer is not uncommon in young women. The earlier they get this shot series, the better.

Varicella is the other name for Chicken Pox. If your child had the disease, they don't need the shot.

Travel vaccinations will probably include more than what I have listed here. If your student is planning a trip out of the country they should come see us at least two months before their departure date.

In the spirit of helping them grow up, I suggest you give your striding scholar a copy of their shot records to have for their very own. Suggest they contact the Allergy and Immunization clinic at Student Health and Counseling (277-7925) for updates or more information. NOW you can sit back, put those feet up and have a well-deserved rest.
Peggy Spencer, M.D., has been serving students for 17 years at the UNM Student Health Center.