ATTENTION STUDENTS

The Westfield State College Health Services, in collaboration with Noble Hospital Visiting Nurses Association, will be offering an immunization clinic for the prevention of meningitis and influenza.

Influenza and Meningitis Vaccine Clinics - Fall 2009

Thursday, November 5th from 2PM to 7PM in Scanlon Banquet Hall. 
Cost for an influenza vaccination will be $20
Cost for meningitis vaccination will be $120. 
People must pre-register for the meningitis vaccination by October 14th calling Health Services at 413-572-5415. 

A catch up clinic will be held Thursday, November 19th from 1PM to 3PM in Scanlon Banquet Hall
offering both vaccinations again at the same costs. 
People must pre-register for the meningitis vaccination.

PAYMENT METHOD: Students may pay by use of cash or check. There will be no insurance participation at the clinic. However, the students will be given a hard copy receipt of the vaccine administration and the related charge(s). This can then be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement, but there is no guarantee that you will be reimbursed.

IF YOU WERE IMMUNIZED FOR MENINGITIS IN THE LAST 3-5 YEARS,
YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE RE-IMMUNIZED

WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE MENINGITIS (Menactra) VACCINE: Students with an acute illness at the time the vaccine is to be given, pregnant women, students allergic to Diphtheria Toxoid or other components of the vaccine. People allergic to latex should not receive Menactra. Menactra shouldn't be given to person with any bleeding disorder or anyone on anti coagulant therapy..

FACTS: Meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection. It 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 may die as a result. Outbreaks of meningitis have increased on college campuses in recent years. Although anyone can come in contact with the bacteria that cause meningitis, college students living in dormitories seem to be at greater risk for the disease. 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 the risk. Behavior and social aspects of college life appear to be risk factors as well- with smoking, exposure to second hand smoke, alcohol consumption and bar patronage all increasing the chance that one might contract meningitis from an infected person.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

please visit www.studentshots.com or www.cdc.gov

Also, more information about meningococcal disease is given on the "Meningococcal Waiver Form" on Health Services home page.