Meningitis, Flu Vaccinations Offered to UA Students

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — VACCESSHealth will be offering meningitis and influenza vaccinations to University of Alabama students on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 1-7 p.m. in Room 138 of the UA Russell Student Health Center.

The meningitis vaccine costs $85, and the flu vaccine costs $20. Both fees can be billed to current students’ accounts by showing a student identification card.

A large number of students get the flu each year, causing them to miss class and exams. Complications from the flu can result in bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections, conditions sometimes requiring hospitalization for treatment. The flu vaccine is highly effective and safe in preventing the disease and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends college students and those who want to reduce their risk of contracting the flu, to consider being vaccinated each year.

Meningitis is a rare but serious disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. Students living in or planning to live in dormitories or residence halls are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. Within the past several years, the number of college students who have contracted the disease has risen. Recent studies indicate students living in dormitories have a six-fold increased risk of contracting the disease that can be fatal or disabling.

The shot’s side effects are mild and infrequent — consisting primarily of redness and swelling at the site of injection for up to two days.

Students allergic to thimerosal should not be vaccinated. Students with an acute illness at the time of vaccine administration should wait until they recover, and pregnant women should consult their private physicians. Also, students under age 18 must have a consent form signed by a parent.

Students also can reduce their risk of contracting meningitis and other diseases by eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and exercising.

For more information, contact VACCESS at 570/585-0125 or Connie Diggs at 205/348-6262.