Next round of Meningococcal B clinics set at OSU

Oregon State University continues its efforts to help students meet the requirements for Meningococcal B vaccinations and will hold three days of vaccination clinics this week at its Corvallis campus.

The clinics are in response to a new university requirement that all OSU Corvallis students 25 and under must be vaccinated against Meningococcal B by Feb. 15.

This requirement went into effect because six OSU students have been diagnosed with the disease since November 2016. To date, 48 percent of OSU students 25 and under have completed the vaccination requirement.

“This is a tremendous response by our students, but we are not done,” said Steve Clark, vice president for University Relations and Marketing. “We want to do all that we can to enable students to meet this important public health requirement. We remain ready to assist all of them in any way we can.”

The clinics, which are being offered in partnership with Fred Meyer Pharmacy, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday, Feb. 13 to Thursday, Feb. 15.

Check-in will occur in the Student Experience Center Plaza outside the Memorial Union. No appointment is required. Students should attend regardless of insurance coverage, and staff will be available to discuss options.

During similar clinics last month, 6,400 students were vaccinated.

Since then, university officials have continued to send e-mails and text messages to students and their families about the need to be vaccinated. Teaching faculty have also been encouraged to share vaccination details with their students.

Yet, there are more than 9,000 students who still need to get a final dose or provide documentation that they have completed their vaccinations before Feb. 15 to meet the requirement and avoid a registration hold for spring term classes.

Students who have gotten their first dose of vaccine at least 28 days ago can get the second vaccine now – these are available at the campus health center, local urgent cares and pharmacies.

“We are working very closely with OSU administration and other local and statewide partners to communicate the urgency of getting vaccinated and staying watchful for early signs of meningococcal disease symptoms,” said Charlie Fautin, deputy director of the Benton County Health Department. “Meningococcal B disease is a serious condition and the situation can get critical rapidly. We are grateful for the rapid response of students and their families that sought care immediately because it has resulted in recovery outcomes to date, but the best way to prevent meningococcal disease is by vaccination.”

Meningococcal B disease is an uncommon and serious disease. In 10 to 15 percent of cases, death may result, as was the case with a University of Oregon student in 2015. In 20 percent of cases, hearing loss, mental impairment and limb loss can result.

During this outbreak, health officials encourage everyone to monitor their own health and note the following symptoms specific to this disease: high fever, a rash, headache, stiff neck, exhaustion, nausea or vomiting. If these symptoms develop, seek prompt medical evaluation and mention attendance at OSU and that there is a disease outbreak on campus.

For details regarding this vaccination requirement, visit the Student Health Services website: GetTheVax.oregonstate.edu.

For more information regarding the university’s new vaccination requirement and exemptions, call the Office of Student Life, 541-737-6362 (MENB).

For more information regarding the meningococcal B vaccination, dosing or for medical information, call OSU Student Health Services, 541-737-7570.