For college students, the probability of contracting communicable diseases is much higher than at other stages of adulthood, and there are several reasons for this. For one thing, immunizations received in childhood may wear off by the time that students are entering college, making them more susceptible to catching “dead” diseases, not to mention spreading them. Just look at the recent uptick in cases of whooping cough, which hasn’t been vaccinated for in years because the medical community no longer thought it was a threat.

In addition, college students tend to have irregular sleeping and eating habits, not to mention less-than healthful diets. Further, kids living on their own for the first time in their lives may suffer from some issues with cleanliness and hygiene, now that mom is no longer around to wash dishes and clothing and clean up the living space. The ultimate result is conditions that practically beg for infection.

Luckily, students can get vaccines before (and during) their time in college to stave off major illnesses. Here are a few that are recommended.

1. MMR. Most of us last received the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine in early childhood, although many high schools are now starting to require another round for incoming freshmen. As for colleges, they may deny you admission unless you can provide proof of an MMR shot more recently than infancy. So if you had it as a teen, you’re in the clear; just get your doctor to send over a copy of your immunization record. Otherwise you’ll have to get it again. The upside is that you’ll avoid the fever, cough, and rash of measles, the painful swelling and fever of mumps, and the rash of rubella (it is often called the 3-day measles due to milder symptoms and shorter duration, although it is a completely separate virus).
2. DPT. The Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus vaccine (also known as Tdap) is one that many colleges have started to require in response to the pertussis (or whooping cough) outbreak. It’s not a bad idea to stay up-to-date with tetanus shots since the symptoms (muscle spasms and lockjaw) are most commonly brought on by wounds that have been contaminated. And you want to avoid the other two, which are both extremely contagious. Diphtheria will leave you with a swollen neck and sore throat, or in rarer cases, skin lesions; and pertussis comes with the characteristic gasping cough, which can last up to six weeks. Overall, these ailments are best avoided.
3. Meningitis. Inflammation of the meninges (or the membranes that protect the spinal cord and brain) can lead to brain damage and even death, and bacterial meningitis can spread like wildfire amongst a student populace. Luckily, there are vaccines that can protect you from some strains of bacterial and viral meningitis (although not all). Since it is estimated that the majority of cases of meningitis in adults are bacterial, most colleges strongly recommend this vaccine for incoming students.
4. Hepatitis. As you may know, there are three different types of hepatitis: A, B, and C. Hepatitis B is the one that most commonly affects college students since it may be spread through sexual activity. It leads to inflammation of the liver, which can in turn trigger jaundice and vomiting. It may even cause cirrhosis or death in severe cases. However, a three-dose vaccine can keep this undesirable disease at bay.
5. Influenza. The flu shot is a vaccine that students will need to receive annually in order to stave off seasonal illness. Despite persistent myths about the ability of the flu shot to bring about the onset of flu-like symptoms, or that only children and the elderly need flu shots, most doctors would stake their physician reputation on a recommended yearly flu vaccine. And when you’re on campus and likely exposed, it’s probably a good idea to get one regularly.

Even though most of these vaccines are required, it’s just smart parenting to stay current on the vaccines for your college-bound student.