USC Student Health Services advises students to get vaccinated now against flu, meningitis

The University of South Carolina’s Student Health Services urges students to be vaccinated now
against flu and meningitis. An increased risk of meningitis transmission during spring break and a late flu season, coupled with the Centers for Disease Control’s reports of flu in S.C., prompted University health officials to make the recommendation.

Flu and meningitis vaccinations are available at the Thomson Student Health Center and are safe and effective in protecting against disease. But to avoid doctor’s visits later, students need to stop by the center to get their shots as soon as possible.

“It’s absolutely critical that students get their flu shots and meningitis vaccinations now,” said Dr.
Deborah Beck, director of Student Health Services. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from these diseases, but you must get your shots well before you might be exposed to the virus and bacteria that cause them. Fortunately, it’s not too late to get them right now,” she said.

No appointment is necessary for flu shots, which are available 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday. Shots cost $5 for USC students, faculty and staff with valid University identification. Faculty and staff who contribute to the USC Family Fund can receive a free shot by presenting their donor card.

The meningitis vaccine costs $100 and is administered by the Thomson Student Health Center’s Allergy/Immunization Office. Appointments to receive the vaccine are available by calling 803-777-9511.

“The price of the vaccine is reasonable,” said Beck, “because it provides protection against a disease
that can cause serious side-effects or even death. It’s a small price to pay when you consider that most cases University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208 803.777.4172 www.sa.sc.edu
of meningitis are caused by vaccine-preventable strains.”

Some health insurance companies provide coverage of the meningitis vaccine in their plans, said
Beck.

Student Health Services is particularly concerned about these diseases now, Beck said, because spring break is only weeks away. During the holiday, students are likely to be traveling and living together in close proximity, making them especially vulnerable to these contagious diseases.

Meningitis can be transmitted from person to person or by oral contact with items like drinking
glasses and utensils. A person can contract flu from an infected person’s cough or sneeze or by touching an item contaminated by the flu virus, then touching his or her nose or mouth.

“The most important thing to keep in mind is that in most cases, these diseases are preventable,” said Beck. “People can begin protecting themselves by getting vaccinated now.”

For more information on disease prevention and vaccination, go online to www.sa.sc.edu/shs or call
Stephanie Derr at 803-777-9511.