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Other Recommended Vaccines

These are recommended, but not required.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Infection with the virus can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer, and even death. 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 you have unprotected sex, share needles for IV drug use or for body piercing or tattooing, share toothbrushes or razors, or have a job which exposes him/her to blood or body fluids.

The medical staff at the Davis Health Center strongly supports and recommends that all students be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

The Davis Health Center offers the vaccine, which consists of a 3-dose series of injections. The vaccine cost $30 per dose.

Get more information on Hepatitis B from American College Health Association.

MENINGITIS VACCINE

Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease strikes about 2,800 Americans each year and causes 300 deaths annually. It is spread through the air by sneezing, coughing, or direct contact with the infected person.

The American College Health Association estimates that 125-175 cases of the disease occur annually on college campuses and that 15-20 students die each year as a result.

In a recent study, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) calculated the risk at 1 in 100,000 for all college students, 3 in 100,000 for those living on campus. Talk with your family healthcare provider regarding immunization.

There is a vaccine which can provide protection. The one dose vaccine provides protection against the more common types of meningitis. The vaccine is 85-95% effective in producing immunity which lasts 3-5 years. Side effects are infrequent and mild.

As of August 15, 2003,The State University of New York is also required by New York State Public Health Law (NYS PHL) 2167 to distribute information about meningococcal disease and vaccination to all students meeting the enrollment criteria, whether they live on or off campus.

Colleges in New York State are required to maintain a record of a meningitis response form that acknowledges a receipt of information of meningococcal disease risks and refusal or receipt of meningococcal meningitis immunization signed by the student or student's parent or guardian.

Download Meningitis information and waiver form. You can receive the vaccine at the Health Center for a fee. Please call the Health Center for more information and current pricing. Get more information on the Meningitis Vaccine from American College Health Association.

 

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