All incoming college and university students in Tennessee must be informed about Hepatitis B and meningitis due to new information laws passed July 1.
Prior to classes starting incoming students must read and sign a waver explaining the risk of Hepatitis B and meningitis and whether or not they have been vaccinated against these two infections, according to Jacqueline De Fouw, Health Educator for The University of Memphis.
Students living in university housing are at a higher risk of contracting meningitis that those who live at home. For these reason all students who are living on campus must be given information.
Students must also asked to sign a waver stating they have received the information and chosen to be vaccinated or not be vaccinated, said De Fouw.
About 30 percent of people infected with Hepatitis B, which attacks the liver, report no symptoms. Meningitis, on the other hand, does have reportable symptoms including high fever, headache and stiff neck, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Although the vaccinations are not required, they are highly recommended," by The U of M Health Center.
The Memphis Health Department and the Tennessee Department of Heath also recommend them, said De Fouw.
"Both vaccinations are relatively safe--you cannot get the disease from any of these vaccinations," said De Fouw.
The risks are relatively minor, especially compared to the consequences if a student contracts any of the two infections.
The most common reactions from the meningitis vaccines are soreness or redness at the injection site for one or two days, or a headache, chills or fever, said the health educator.
The Hepatitis B-vaccine has few or no adverse symptoms.
Since 1999, all seventh graders have been required to have a Hepatitis B vaccination, said Brenda Ward, public relations director for the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department.
The only vaccine required to attend The U of M is a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, according to the Health Center.
Students have several options to get their vaccinations. They include the on-camps Health Center or the Memphis and Shelby County Health center.
"I do not recommend coming to 814 Jefferson (the main immunization office)," said Ward. Since it is the begining of the school year for schools and because of the recent storm, that office is full.
Instead she recommends three clinics: Hickory Hill Clinic, 6590 Kirby Center; Shelby Crossing Clinic, 6170 Macon Rd.; and the Southland Mall on Shelby Drive and Highway 51.
Vaccination Locations
University of Memphis
Location: 200 Hudson Health Center
Time: Noon to 2 p.m.
Cost:Meningoccoccal Meningitis Vaccine-$85; Hepatitis B - 1St dose - $65
Dates: Aug. 18,25,26,27; Sept. 2
Memphis and Shelby County Health Department
Locations:
Hickory Hill, 6590 Kirby Center Cove
Shelby Crossings, 6170 Macon Rd.
Southland Mall at Shelby Drive and Highway 51
Time: 9a.m. to 5p.m.
Cost:Meningoccoccal Meningitis Vaccine - $85 Hepatitis B - 1St dose - $55
Dates: Monday - Friday
OR Your Family Physician
