To support the health of the campus community, University Health Services (UHS) is offering certain vaccines at no cost to students this semester, while supplies last. Students who are recommended to receive a vaccine based on their vaccination status and personal situation are eligible to receive a vaccine.
While most UHS services are available to students at no cost, there is usually a fee to receive an immunization at UHS. Offering these three vaccines at no cost during the spring semester helps reduce barriers to students receiving recommended vaccinations. Measles (MMR), Meningitis ACWY, and Meningitis B are highly recommended for college students because the communal nature of college life puts college students at higher risk for these diseases.
To receive a free MMR, Men ACWY, or Men B vaccine, call UHS at 608-265-5600 (option 1) or book an appointment online through MyUHS. If you are unsure if you meet the criteria for any of these vaccinations, call UHS at 608-265-5600 to speak with a nurse.
About the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus. This serious disease can lead to hospitalization and even death. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours. For those who have not been vaccinated, simply being in the same room with someone who has measles — even if they have no symptoms — is enough to become infected.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles even if you are exposed to someone with the virus—97% if you are fully vaccinated.
Students who did not receive vaccination against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella as a child should be immunized with the MMR vaccine. Two doses are recommended for all college students.
About the Meningitis ACWY and Meningitis B Vaccine
Bacterial meningitis, while rare, is potentially life-threatening if it does occur. Of those who become ill, 10–15 percent will die. Of those who survive 20 percent will experience serious impairment, including brain damage, hearing loss, or loss of limbs.
Meningococcal disease is caused by a few different bacteria that fall into different “serogroups,” which are strains of bacteria. The five types are A, B, C, W, and Y. Many students likely received a vaccine to protect against strains A, C, W, and Y in childhood. However, most people have not been vaccinated against strain B. Check your vaccination records to see if you have been vaccinated against some or all of these strains, which will be noted in the name of the vaccine.
Current CDC recommendations encourage the vaccination of all adolescents against meningococcal disease with two doses of Meningitis–2015 conjugate vaccine (MCV4), usually given at ages 12 and 16. If the first dose was administered before age 16, a second dose should be administered before enrollment in college. A separate vaccine is also available to prevent meningococcal disease caused by a serogroup B. The preferred age for vaccination is 16 to 18, before starting college.