Health Center > Immunizations

Immunizations

The Health Center dispenses immunizations for flu, tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and meningitis to persons directly associated with the institution -- faculty, staff and enrolled students. The Health Center sponsors a meningitis immunization program during fall semester. It is conducted near the end of the first month of the semester, and is held one day only.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Because bacterial meningitis is a grave illness and can rapidly progress to death, it requires early diagnosis and treatment. This is often difficult because the symptoms closely resemble those of the flu, and the highest incidence of meningitis occurs during late winter and early spring (flu-season). When not fatal, bacterial meningitis can lead to permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage or loss of limbs. Recent studies of college outbreaks suggest that freshmen living in residence halls have a slightly higher risk of contracting this disease, because they live and work in close proximity to each other. Lifestyle appears to be a risk factor, as well as, living in shared quarters, sharing utensils, lowered immunity as a result of decreased focus on proper nutrition and adequate sleep may also increase the risk of contracting meningitis. Because of these findings, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the American College Health Association, recommend that students in this group be informed of their risk of contracting the disease and the potential benefits of vaccination. They further recommend that the vaccine should be provided or made easily available to those freshmen who wish to reduce their risk of bacterial meningitis. Other undergraduates wishing to reduce their risk of bacterial meningitis can also choose to be vaccinated. The meningitis vaccine has been used for more than a decade. Protection lasts for at least 3-5 years. Adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of redness and swelling at the site of injection, lasting up to two days. Meningitis immunization should be deferred during any acute illness. The vaccine should not be administered to pregnant women or individuals sensitive to thimerosal or any components of the vaccine. It is important to consult your physician regarding any pre-existing medical conditions that may preclude you from receiving the vaccine. Information given courtesy of VACCESSHealth and the Center for Disease Control. For more information about bacterial meningitis and the vaccine, please contact our program partner, VACCESSHealth, at www.vaccess.com or toll free at 1-877-482-2237.