Health Services is sponsoring a walk-in flu and meningitis immunization clinic Oct. 11 from noon to 6 p.m. in the ballroom of the Culp Center.
The flu shot is $20 and the meningococcal vaccination is $85. Students can pay with ID Bucs, Visa, MasterCard and Amex credit and debit cards.
The meningitis vaccine protects against four of the five most common strains of bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis. Not to be confused with the more common and less virulent viral meningitis, meningoccocal meningitis is bacterial and can rapidly progress to death whereas its viral counterpart is serious, but usually not fatal.
“Although it’s rare (meningococcal meningitis), when it strikes it’s potentially fatal because it leads to swelling around the brain and spinal column,” said Amy Kaplan, director of ETSU’s Health Services.
In addition, meningitis can lead to permanent hearing loss, brain damage, seizures and limb amputatation.
Recent findings suggest that college students, particularly freshmen and those who reside in dormitories have a six-fold increased risk for contracting meningitis. These studies have prompted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to recommend that college students be informed of their risk, and encouraged to have the meningococcal vaccination.
“This shot isn’t recommended for the general population, and it’s not recommended for people who come to class and leave,” Kaplan said. “It’s more common in freshmen and other undergraduates who live in congregate living situations.”
The CDC and the American College Health Association also believe that certain behaviors put students at an increased risk. Because meningococcal meningitis is spread through respiratory secretions, sharing utensils, drinks and cigarettes can increase the likelihood of contracting this illness. Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis are similar to common viral infections, making diagnosis and subsequent treatment difficult. People may experience high fevers, stiff muscles, fatigue and nausea.
Immunity after the meningococcal vaccination requires seven to 10 days and lasts for three to five years.
The CDC also recommends that college students receive flu shots to decrease their chances of contracting one of the many influenza viruses that cause flu. The vaccination does not ensure that a person will not become sick because influenza viruses change often, and the vaccine doesn’t protect against other illnesses that cause “flu-like” symptoms.
“The Student Health Services will not have flu vaccine available this year,” Kaplan said. “So if students want a flu shot, they should come Thursday because this is a one-time deal.”
The Pennsylvanian company, VaccessHealth is partnering with ETSU to administer the shots. Kaplan said the company works closely with college health services across the country to conduct immunization clinics.
“I’ve been working with one of their representatives since last April to get this set up,” Kaplan said. “They come very highly recommended.

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