Immunization Clinics
| Meningitis Vaccine Clinic (Also PPD Testing, MMR, Tetanus, Hep B) | |
|---|---|
Date: | Sunday, August 23, 2009 |
Time: | 11 a.m. - 1p.m. |
Place: | Taylor Room, Campus Center |
Cost: | Meningitis $125; MMR; $65; TDAP $75; Hep B$75 |
More Information: | No appointment necessary. |
| Flu Vaccination Clinic | |
For: | WPI students, faculty & staff |
Date: | October 29, 2009 |
Time: | Walk in 11AM-3PM |
Cost: |
$30 |
Place: | Taylor Room, Campus Center |
Additional Information: | Contact x5520 |
Sponsored by: | Maxim Health/WPI Health Services |
Meningitis outbreaks are one of the most feared public health emergencies in the United States. If your son or daughter was immunized within the last three years, he/she does not need to be re-immunized.
Outbreaks of meningitis have increased on college campuses in recent years. Reasons for the increased incidence of meningitis are not completely clear however studies suggest that outbreaks may occur because students live and work in close proximity to each other in dormitories and classrooms. The student's lifestyle may also contribute to risk. Exposure to active and passive smoking, alcohol consumption and bar patronage (with or without alcohol consumption) all increase the chance of contracting meningitis from an infected person.
Meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually. It is estimated that 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur annually on college campuses and 5 to 15 students die as a result.
About the Vaccine
The vaccine has been shown to provide protection against common strains of meningitis, including serogroups A, C, Y and W-135. The vaccine has shown to be 85-100% effective in serogroups A, C, Y and W-135. The vaccine is very safe and adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of redness and pain at the injection site and may last up to two days.
As of October 20, 1999, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals who provide medical care to college freshman, particularly those who live in or plan to live in dormitories or residence halls, should provide information about meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination with these students and their parents. ACIP further recommends that immunizations should be provided or made easily available to those who wish to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease.
Students with an acute illness at the time the vaccine is given, pregnant women, students allergic to thimerosal (preservative) or other components of the vaccine.
Parents should encourage their son or daughter to get immunized. At the time of immunization they will receive an Immunization Consent Form copy confirming that the immunization was administered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meningitis
- What is meningococcal meningitis?
- Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- What are the symptoms?
- Symptoms are similar to those of influenza. Fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting and lethargy may occur. The infection can lead to permanent disabilities and even death.
- How is the disease spread?
- The infection is spread by direct contact with infected individuals (for example, sharing a glass or cigarette, or kissing). The infection is also spread through the air by respiratory secretions by coughing or sneezing.
- How common is meningitis?
- Meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually. 100 to 125 cases of meningitis disease occurs annually on college campuses and 5 to 15 students die as a result.
- Who is at risk for meningitis?
- A rising outbreak has occurred in schools, universities, and other organization based settings, according to the American College Health Association.
- Why are college students at greater risk for meningitis?
- College students seem to be more susceptible because they live and work in close proximity to each other in dormitories. Behavioral and social aspects of college life appear to be risk factors; smoking, exposure to second hand smoke, excessive alcohol consumption, and bar patronage all increase the chances of contracting meningitis from an individual.
The Vaccine
- How can college students protect themselves from getting meningitis?
- Vaccination can provide protection against four out of five strains of meningitis. These four strains cause nearly 70% of meningococcal meningitis cases on college campuses.
- Why should college students receive the meningitis vaccine?
- Vaccination had been delayed in the past until an outbreak occurred. Results of two CDC studies conducted in 1998 identified a higher risk among freshman dormitory residents. The studies resulted in recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA); the recommendations state that vaccination should be provided or made easily available to those college students that wish to reduce their risk of contracting meningitis.
- What are the side effects of the vaccine?
- Side effects are mild and infrequent, they consist of redness and swelling at the injection site and may last up to two days. The meningitis vaccine should not be given to anyone that is ill (acute illness) or running a fever. The vaccine should not be given to anyone allergic to thimerosol or any other component of the vaccine. If the student is pregnant, she should consult with her private physician regarding the risks and benefits of immunization.
- How effective is the vaccine, and how long does it offer protection?
- The vaccine has been shown to create protective antibodies against meningitis in 90% of the population studied. Meningitis vaccine may not protect 100% of susceptible individuals. Protection from the vaccine lasts for at least 3-5 years.
- What can college students do to reduce the risk of contracting meningitis?
- Eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and exercise, avoiding cigarettes and excessive use of alcohol will help to maximize the body's own immune system.
Acknowledgement and Payment Information Form
- Pay the day of the clinic: Maxim will be accepting cash, checks (written to Maxim Health Systems) and credit card payments the day of the clinic. Your son or daughter can come to the clinic with one of the listed payment options and pay when they receive their immunization.
- Parent Credit Card: Parents can pay with a credit card by completing the information form below. Your son or daughter must bring this completed-signed form with them to the immunization clinic in order for Maxim to bill your credit card.
- Bill Parent: Maxim can bill you for the immunizations given to your son or daughter. Check off the BILL TO PARENT box in the method of payment, complete and sign the acknowledgement and have your son or daughter bring this form to the immunization clinic. Again, for this billing option your son or daughter must have this completed and signed form with them the day of the clinic.
Download the Acknowledgement and Payment Information Form (PDF)
Important note: This website is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care, only a supplement to it. If you believe you have a medical problem, please call the Health Center or come visit us. A proper medical diagnosis can only be made in person - please do not send us your medical questions via e-mail.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: February 25, 2009 13:17:17