Kroger Health reminds college students to get vaccinated
Kroger Health is making it easy for college students to receive the vaccinations and boosters needed to make move-in day simple. Vaccinations, whether required or recommended, play a pivotal role in safeguarding individual health and promoting community well-being, particularly in environments such as college campuses where students live and study in close quarters, Kroger Health said.
"As students prepare to return to the classroom, it is critical that we emphasize the importance of back-to-school vaccines," said Meggen Brown, chief nursing officer, The Little Clinic. "Vaccinations can protect individuals and safeguard the health of our communities. Kroger Health is committed to promoting health and safety, and we urge students of all ages, including trade school and graduate programs, to prioritize their well-being by ensuring they are up to date on their vaccinations."
[Related: Pharmacy experts discuss pharmacists' expanding role as vaccinators]
Common vaccine requirements for post-secondary enrollment often include:
- Meningococcal: Protects against meningitis, a serious infection that can spread rapidly in close quarters like dormitories;
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough; and
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Guards against these highly contagious diseases.
[Read more: With COVID in the rearview mirror, what’s next for vaccines?]
Students pursuing credentials such as construction, engineering technologies, automotive, power, culinary or other material and tool-handling training should receive a tetanus vaccine, Kroger said.
Additionally, those continuing their education in health care, including veterinary and medical school will likely need to complete all three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine series, in addition to undergoing a tuberculosis (TB) test.
Additional vaccines that are often recommended for students who are heading to post-secondary programs include:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): Protects from HPV infections that can cause head, neck, or other cancers later in life.
- Influenza (flu): Protects against the three most common types of flu during a given season and should be administered COVID-19: Many colleges no longer require this vaccine, but it is recommended, especially for students, faculty and staff.
Students prepared to study abroad should consider country-specific vaccinations. Stay informed about travel health recommendations and ensure you're up to date or speak to a Kroger Family of Companies pharmacist or The Little Clinic practitioner to learn more.
Armed with up-to-date vaccinations, students can be protected before classes begin. Kroger Health is committed to protecting families through vaccinations at every stage of their lives and is dedicated to providing credible, and convenient healthcare for customers in a single stop.