College Students, Teens Must Get H1N1 Shot
CDC, Pediatricians Say Under 25ers are High Risk Group for Swine Flu
Oct 5, 2009
With concerns over homework, jobs, safety, and having a decent relationship with one's teenage or adult child, it's easy to forget to cast a parental eye over basic seasonal health concerns. However, the 2009-2010 influenza season has introduced one more thing for parents to fret over: getting the H1N1 swine flu shot.
Generally, teens and young adults are too full of their own lives to even think about something as boring as preventing getting a disease. It's hardly sexy. And, part of being young is feeling immortal. But this flu vaccine seems like a good bet, with less to gain than to risk.
So chalk it up to one more thing on the parental "to do" list, like reminding one's son or daughter to go to the dentist, or wash their hands regularly.
Teens and College Age Students Considered at Risk
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that the following people, representing about 42 million Americans, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
- Children ages 6 months through 24 years
- Parents and caretakers of infants younger than 6 months
- Pregnant women
- Health care workers and emergency services personnel
- Adults ages 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions
Recent College Grads at Risk for H1N1 (if Under Age 25)
Students who have recently graduated from college (and are under age 25) might look, feel and act like adults, but in terms of their vulnerability to the H1N1 virus, they have been categorized as vulnerable. This cohort is in the top five priority groupings identified by the CDC as top-ranked for receiving the H1N1 flu virus vaccination.
So, especially if they would rather forget that they are prone to asthma or have an underlying health condition, remind them and insist that they get the vaccine.
Insurance and H1N1 Swine Flu Shot
Given that the CDC is recommending this vaccine, it is likely that their health insurance (which hopefully they have) will cover it.
College Students and H1N1 Vaccine
College health services are prepared to offer the vaccination. However, students have to make the appointment and request the service. It's possible to check on the college website for specific information.
Parents of college students with a health history of asthma or respiratory conditions or other chronic ailments should urge their students to seek an appointment as soon as possible.
Also, any students who happen to baby sit, work in a health facility or emergency medical service should seek the vaccine.
Pregnant Women at Higher Risk
Eight organizations – the March of Dimes, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, the Infectious Disease Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine – issued a joint statement that said, "Pregnant women should be sure to get all their flu shots as soon as the vaccines become available this year to protect them against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu."
An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of Tamiflu and a week of misery in bed. This season, teens and those under 25 are considered at risk for the H1N1 flu. Mom, Dad, remind them to practice good hand hygiene, not to share drinks and food, to take care of themselves if they get sick – and meanwhile, get 'em vaccinated. For information, see flu.gov or the American Academy of Pediatrics web site.
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