Why Senior Year Isn’t Too Early

Dorms cram thousands of 18‑year‑olds into shared bathrooms, buffet lines, and late‑night study halls—prime real estate for meningitis and mono. Texas law requires proof of MenACWY vaccination within five years of enrollment, plus strongly recommends several other boosters. Completing shots and paperwork now beats last‑minute clinic scrambles that can delay class registration.

Required & Recommended College Vaccines in Texas

Vaccine	Texas Status	Timing Tips	Insurance Note
MenACWY	Required	Booster at 16 yrs+ & ≥ 8 wks after first dose	Covered; bring prior records
MenB	Recommended (many campuses mandate)	Start series 6 mo pre‑move‑in	Verify brand (Trumenba vs Bexsero)
Tdap	Required for grades 7–12, accepted by colleges	Booster every 10 yrs	Usually up‑to‑date; check date
MMR	Required (2 doses)	Needed if no titers on file	Lab titers count at most schools
Varicella	Required (2 doses)	Needed if no disease proof or titers	Obtain records from pediatrician
Hepatitis B	Required	3‑dose series; finish ≥ 1 mo pre‑move‑in	Many teens finish in infancy
HPV	Recommended	Catch‑up to age 26 (3 doses)	Often covered until 19 or 26, plan ahead
Influenza	Strongly urged	Every fall	On‑campus clinics allow walk‑ins
COVID‑19	Campus policy varies	Booster if > 12 mo since last	Save SMART Health Card QR

Download the Texas Department of State Health Services college vaccine chart for exact statutes.

Six‑Week Vaccine Countdown

Week	Action
6	Pull immunization record from ImmTrac2 or pediatric portal.
5	Book pre‑college physical; bring record for gaps.
4	Dose #1 MenB (if using Trumenba/Bexsero) + flu if available.
3	Upload current shots to university portal—many require verification before housing selection.
2	Dose #2 MenB (Bexsero schedule) or confirm follow‑up date (Trumenba 6 mo).
1	Print 3 copies of updated vaccine record; PDF a version to cloud drive.

Essential Medical Paperwork

1. Immunization PDF – registrar, housing, athletics.
2. Physical exam form – some programs (nursing, allied health) require within 12 months.
3. Allergy & anaphylaxis plan – if epi‑pen needed.
4. Prescription list – names, doses, prescriber contacts.
5. Insurance card (front/back) – digital copy on phone.

Texas universities increasingly accept electronic uploads—scan documents as one merged PDF for smoother registrar approval.

Prescription & OTC Packing List

Medication	Why	Pack Qty
Inhaler + spacer	Exercise‑induced asthma	2 (dorm & backpack)
EpiPen 2‑pack	Severe food sting allergies	3 sets if traveling
Oral contraceptives	Regular cycles, acne, contraception	2‑month buffer
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen	Headache, cramps	30 ct each
Hydrocortisone 1 %	Bug bites, rashes	1 tube
Antacid tabs	Dorm food reflux	1 bottle

Ask your pharmacy to sync refills so future mail‑order deliveries arrive monthly.

Mental‑Health Prep: Just as Critical

• FERPA waivers – decide which parents/guardians can access health or counseling info.
• Store crisis numbers (988, campus hotline) in phone contacts.
• Schedule tele‑therapy trial session before move‑in if anxiety history exists.

The Journal of American College Health found that students who pre‑establish mental‑health care use campus services 43 percent sooner during stress spikes.

Insurance Reality Check

Question	Quick Self‑Audit
Does your plan cover out‑of‑state care or network only?
Will it age out at 18 or 26? Confirm end date.
Is there a student health fee waiver if covered elsewhere?
Does pharmacy benefit offer mail‑order savings?

Call member services now—hold times skyrocket mid‑August.

Dorm Health Kit: Beyond Band‑Aids

Category	Items
Wound care	Band‑Aids assorted, triple‑antibiotic ointment
Illness basics	Digital thermometer, saline spray, honey sticks
Supportive gear	Reusable cold pack, elastic ankle wrap
Hygiene	60 % alcohol gel, disinfecting wipes
Extras	Small flashlight, spare glasses/contacts case

Clip our downloadable college health kit checklist from the Resources page and stick it to your packing bins.

Myth‑Busting Corner

Myth	Fact
“I got a meningitis shot at 12; I’m covered.”	Booster at 16 yrs required to protect dorm life.
“College clinics give all shots free.”	Some charge; bring insurance to avoid upfront fees.
“Travel insurance isn’t needed for study abroad.”	Most U.S. plans reimburse after you pay; primary travel insurance avoids big bills.

Day‑Before Departure Health Checklist

1. Print digital insurance card.
2. Photograph vaccine QR code and tattoo medical alerts.
3. Refill inhaler/epi pen (check expiration ≥ 12 mo).
4. Store meds in original bottles—TSA and dorm RA friendly.
5. Pack a small laminated copy of medical power of attorney if over 18.

External Resources Worth Bookmarking

• Texas DSHS College Vaccine Requirements – official statute page.
• Immunization Action Coalition “Shots for College” – national overview.

Both open in new tabs so this guide stays front‑and‑center.

Ready, Set, Thrive

Checking off vaccines and paperwork now means fewer registration holds, smoother dorm check‑in, and zero pharmacy emergencies during finals week. Take an hour, follow the timeline, and roll onto campus fully covered.

Next Step? Secure Your Spot

Schedule a pre‑college physical—we review vaccine gaps, print records, and automate refills before dorm‑move countdown begins.