TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – VACCESSHealth will be offering meningitis and influenza vaccinations to University of Alabama students on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Ferguson Center Ballroom.
The meningitis vaccine costs $85, and the flu vaccine costs $20. Both fees can be billed to a student’s account or a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).
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.
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.
Contact
Laura Medders or Linda Hill, Office of Media Relations, 205/348-8325, lhill@ur.ua.edu