Recommended Immunizations

HEPATITIS B VACCINE:
Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Chronic infection with the virus can result in cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Each year more than 240,000 people contract hepatitis B in the U.S., 90% of which occur in young adults.

Hepatitis B is 100 times more contagious than HIV, the virus which causes AIDS. A person is at risk for Hepatitis B if s/he has unprotected sex, shares needles for IV drug use, has body piercing or tattooing, shares toothbrushes or razors, or has a job which exposes him/her to blood or body fluids. The Hepatitis B virus is not communicable through casual contact.

The medical staff at the Winning Health Center recommend that all students be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

The Health Center offers the vaccine, which consists of a 3-dose series of injections. The vaccine costs $67 per dose.

You can get more information on Hepatitis B from the American College Health Association.

MENINGITIS VACCINE:
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although this disease is relatively rare, it has a high fatality rate and appears on campuses nationwide. Lifestyles and close proximity of campus life increases the risks for college students.

The medical staff at the Health Center supports the recommendation of the American College Health Association and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which states that those who provide medical care to college freshmen dormitory residents, should inform students and parents about meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination, and provide access to the vaccine for those who wish to reduce their risk of disease.

The vaccination consists of one shot. It produces immunity that lasts 3-5 years. The vaccine is 85-95% effective against several strains of meningitis, including serogroup C which accounts for the majority of campus outbreaks. Getting vaccinated before an outbreak reduces a students risk for the disease.

You can receive the vaccine at the Winning Health Center for $63.

You can get more information on meningitis from the American College Health Association.