GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MARCH | APRIL 2018 55 IMMUNIZATIONS Chances are your student is up to date on their primary childhood immunizations. However, most schools require boosters of some vaccines prior to enrollment. Check to see if your child has completed the following: • TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, PERTUSSIS (TDAP) Booster dose at age 11-12, thenTd every 10 years ongoing Hepatitis A Requires two doses, at least six months apart • HEPATITIS B Three doses, most likely completed during infancy • HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (Gardasil)Three doses over six months (optional, strongly recommended) • MEASLE, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR) Two doses typically required by age 5 or 6 • VARICELLA (Chicken Pox)Two doses required, usually completed in early childhood • BACTERIAL MENINGITIS,“Quadrivalent,”Serotypes ACWY Menactra or Menveo, total of two doses required for most college freshman (first typically at age 11 to 12, second age 16 or later) • BACTERIAL MENINGITIS, SEROTYPE B Two doses of Bexsero or three doses of Trumenba (optional) • TUBERCULOSIS Screening PPD skin test or Quantiferon blood test (variable requirement) Know what you can’t know After reaching 18 years of age, students may make their own medical decisions and sign their own medical consents (for physical or mental health matters). Parents may not be entitled to information about their children’s health. While this is often difficult for parents, it is helpful to understand that confidentiality is an important part of a student’s transition to adulthood and will help him or her to talk openly with healthcare providers. See article on Page 53. Consider your health insurance options Students obtain health insurance in several ways: 1) Health insurance policies offered by the university, 2) Dependent-care coverage offered through their parents through age 26, or 3) Government policies for the disabled or medically indigent. Regardless of how they obtain their insurance, make sure your child understands your policy and that they have their own insurance card. Establish new relationships This is a good time for your child to establish a different kind of relationship with his or her primary care physician. Hopefully they can discuss health concerns that may affect their success as a college student, including maintaining healthy sleep and nutrition patterns, smoking, drinking, drug use, eating disorders, sexual practices and mental health. Recognize that your child is an adult now, and be ready to have adult conversations. Establishing honest communication with you makes it easier for them to turn to you should a crisis occur. Let them know that you will be available to talk about relationships, al- cohol and drugs and even sexuality concerns. Remind them—again and again—that you are their strongest advocate and supporter. Pack up a “Care Package” Send the essentials of your home medical cabinet, such as basic cold medications, lozenges, acetaminophen and ibuprofen; include a digital thermometer and first aid items in case of injury, such as bandages, antiseptic wash, antibiotic ointment and a chemical cold pack. Dr. Sugerman’s Bio can be found on Page 7 or reach out to her at Girls To Women Health & Wellness, www.gtw-health.com. To read more articles by Dr. Sugerman, go to GoodLifeFamilyMag.com.