Recommended Immunizations

Influenza Immunization

Influenza (the "flu") is a highly infectious viral illness.  This disease peaks between late December and early March.  There is a vaccine that is generally offered from October thru February  to provide protection during peak incidence, at the Student Health Center for a nominal charge.

The Student Health Center has flu vaccine available starting October 24th.  The cost is $10.00 for students and $20.00 for faculty/staff. 

Human Papillomavirus Immunization

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), also known as genital warts, is a sexually transmitted infection that causes 99% of cervical cancer cases.  There are actually more than 100 types of HPV, however about 30 types of HPV affect the genital area.  Some are "high-risk" types (such as HPV Types 16 and 18) that can cause abnormal cervical cells and cervical cancer.  Others are "low-risk" types (such as HPV Types 6 and 11) that can cause genital warts and benign (abnormal, but noncancerous) changes in the cervix.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 20 million Americans have HPV.  More than 6 million new cases of HPV are diagnosed in the United States every year--74% of them in 15 to 24 year olds.  In addition, approximately 80% of women will have had HPV by the time they are 50 years old.

The HPV Vaccine, Gardasil, is for girls and women ages 9 to 26. It is the only vaccine that may help guard against diseases caused by HPV Types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and HPV Types 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts cases.  If you've already been infected with HPV, you may still benefit from the vaccine because it is unlikely that you have been infected with all 4 types of the virus covered by the vaccine.

The vaccine is available at the Student Health Center and is given in 3 doses over the course of 6 months.  The cost is $120.00 per dose or $360.00 for the complete series.

Meningococcal Meningitis Immunization

Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection of the brain and spinal cord. Although rare, it is known to be more prevalent nationally among students living in residence halls. Certain college students, particularly freshmen who live or plan to live in dormitories or residence halls, have a 6-fold increased risk of disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends college students, particularly freshmen living in residence halls, be educated about meningococcal meningitis and the potential benefits of vaccination.

The meningococcal vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. This vaccine is thought to be over 85% effective in preventing four kinds of bacteria (serogroups A, C, Y, W-135) that cause about 70% of disease in the United States. Once vaccinated, immunity develops within 7 to 10 days.  Although recommended, particularly for those students living in campus residence halls, any student wishing to reduce their risk of meningococcal meningitis can choose to be vaccinated.

The meningococcal vaccine is available at the Student Health Center for approximately $85.00 and can be given once you are a registered student.

Pertussis & Tetanus Immunizations

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterium that is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs.  Tetanus is an acute disease caused by a toxin produced by bacteria widely distributed in soil. Both Pertussis and Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination. 

Most people were vaccinated against Tetanus and Pertussis as children; however, by the age of 15, most people no longer have immunity.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults receive a booster vaccine every ten years.  At the Student Health Center students have two options for vaccination:

  • A vaccine that protects only against Tetanus for $18.00; or
  • A vaccine that protects against Pertussis and Tetanus for $35.00

Pneumococcal Immunizations

Pneumococcal diseases are infections caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus.  Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease that causes sickness and death. In fact, pneumococcal disease kills more people in the United States each year than all other vaccine preventable diseases combined. Anyone can get pneumococcal disease.   However, some people are at greater risk from the disease. These include people 65 and older, the very young, and people with special health problems such as alcoholism, heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, HIV infection, or certain types of cancer.

The most common types of infections caused by these bacteria include middle ear infections, pneumonia, blood stream infections (bacteremia), sinus infections, and meningitis. The bacteria are spread through contact between persons who are ill or who carry the bacteria in their throat. Transmission is mostly through the spread of respiratory droplets from the nose or mouth of a person with a pneumococcal infection. It is common for people, especially children, to carry the bacteria in their throats without being ill from it.

Pneumococcal disease is preventable through vaccination.  The vaccine protects you from getting a serious infection in your blood or brain that can cause dangerous health problems, hospitalization or death.  The vaccine is safe and does not make you sick.  You can get the shot at any time of the year and most people only need one shot to protect them for a lifetime. 

The Student Health Center will be offering the pneumococcal vaccine by Spring 2007.  Stay tuned for more details on supply and pricing.