Spring Break
Free immunization offered during orientation
April R. Ford
Issue date: 8/29/07 Section: News
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Nurses administered 565 of the Adacell vaccinations and more than 130 vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella.
Cost is sometimes an issue for students needing vaccinations, Edington said, so the free vaccinations "saved them a lot of money."
Both Adacel and the MMR vaccine cost almost $50 each, and Menactra is priced at $100.
New Arkansas students are not required to receive vaccinations against meningitis and other diseases. Edington said state law does require the health center to notify parents and students that the vaccinations are available.
Information about the free vaccinations offered by the Health Department was mailed to new students with their orientation packets. Students and parents were also told about the free vaccinations during orientation when they were given a tour of the health center.
The nurses who administered the vaccinations included mostly nurses with the Washington County Health Department, Edington said, but nurses at the health center helped during two August orientations. "The nurses had a ball and really enjoyed the students," Edington said. "It was a great collaboration between two departments."
The vaccine clinic gave students a chance to protect their health, but Edington said there was another benefit.
"We have 1,200 students who know where we are and how to find us," Edington said. "It was good public relations and good marketing, and I think the parents felt better."
The free vaccinations are no longer available to students, but Edington said the health center will offer Menactra and influenza vaccinations at the October Health Fair on the UA campus.
Immunizations against meningitis are offered at the health center at any time, Edington said. Students interested in being vaccinated or learning more about meningitis and other illnesses can visit the health center Web site or call Pat Walker Health Center to make an appointment.
The close proximity of residence halls puts college students at an increased risk of getting meningitis and other illnesses. Meningitis is a life-threatening bacterial infection that is most often spread through kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing cigarettes, drinks and food. Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, irritability, vomiting and a rash.
Cost is sometimes an issue for students needing vaccinations, Edington said, so the free vaccinations "saved them a lot of money."
Both Adacel and the MMR vaccine cost almost $50 each, and Menactra is priced at $100.
New Arkansas students are not required to receive vaccinations against meningitis and other diseases. Edington said state law does require the health center to notify parents and students that the vaccinations are available.
Information about the free vaccinations offered by the Health Department was mailed to new students with their orientation packets. Students and parents were also told about the free vaccinations during orientation when they were given a tour of the health center.
The nurses who administered the vaccinations included mostly nurses with the Washington County Health Department, Edington said, but nurses at the health center helped during two August orientations. "The nurses had a ball and really enjoyed the students," Edington said. "It was a great collaboration between two departments."
The vaccine clinic gave students a chance to protect their health, but Edington said there was another benefit.
"We have 1,200 students who know where we are and how to find us," Edington said. "It was good public relations and good marketing, and I think the parents felt better."
The free vaccinations are no longer available to students, but Edington said the health center will offer Menactra and influenza vaccinations at the October Health Fair on the UA campus.
Immunizations against meningitis are offered at the health center at any time, Edington said. Students interested in being vaccinated or learning more about meningitis and other illnesses can visit the health center Web site or call Pat Walker Health Center to make an appointment.
The close proximity of residence halls puts college students at an increased risk of getting meningitis and other illnesses. Meningitis is a life-threatening bacterial infection that is most often spread through kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing cigarettes, drinks and food. Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, irritability, vomiting and a rash.
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