Communications

Date: Oct 29, 2009

To: All U.Va. students

From: Department of Student Health

Subject: Second immunization clinic - November 5

You can protect yourself against several serious health threats by taking advantage of next week’s immunization clinic offered by the Department of Student Health in cooperation with Intravene. The clinic takes place Thursday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Newcomb Ballroom.

The University strongly encourages you to consider getting immunized against seasonal flu. The flu is unpredictable, but this flu season could be worse than recent years because of the H1N1 virus. Student Health has exhausted its supply of seasonal flu vaccine, so this clinic will be your last chance to get immunized against seasonal flu at the University.

Don’t run the risk of getting the flu while trying to study for finals. You can also protect your friends and family from the flu by getting vaccinated and by avoiding passing it on to the people you care about.

We are still awaiting word on when the H1N1 vaccine will be available. Special clinics will be set up to administer this vaccine once it is available.

DON’T BE BLOCKED FROM SPRING REGISTRATION.

The clinic is an ideal time and place to complete your pre-entrance health requirements if you have not done so. By coming to the clinic instead of to Student Health, you are not risking exposure to the H1N1 virus. Lines at the clinic move smoothly, and it is designed to get you in and out quickly.

If you have not completed your vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), tetanus (Td), tetanus & pertussis (Tdap), twinrix (combination hepatitis A & B), Gardasil, hepatitis B, meningitis, or hepatitis A, they will be available so that you will not be blocked from registration for spring semester. Tuberculosis risk assessments will be available on a limited basis. (Note: PPD skin testing will only be available at Student Health on any day other than Thursday or Saturday.)

In order to review what “pre-entrance” vaccines you are required to receive (the flu vaccines and Gardasil are not required, but you are strongly encouraged to receive them), please visit: www.healthyhoos.virginia.edu to review your records.

CLINIC DETAILS:

Date: November 5

Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Place: Newcomb Hall Ballroom

Costs: Payable at time of service by cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover). Aetna Student Health Insurance will be accepted.

Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - $25

Intranasal Seasonal Influenza - $35 (You must call Intravene to reserve a dose. Phone number below.)

H1N1 Influenza (when available) - $19.96

Meningococcal Meningitis, $125

Hepatitis B $70 (per dose), 3 required

MMR $55

Tetanus $30

Tdap $50

Twinrix $110 (per dose), 3 required

Hepatitis A $70 (per dose), 2 required

Gardasil $150 (per dose) 3 required

Students who are under age 18 will need the permission of a parent or guardian to receive immunizations at these clinics. For more information, call our partner, Intravene, at 1-877-947-3902, ext. 2172; visit Intravene’s Web site at www.intravene.net/uva; or call Student Health at 982-3915. Please do not respond to this e-mail.

MORE INFORMATION:

WHY TAKE THE RISK OF INFLUENZA (‘THE FLU’) OR MENINGITIS? These are all very serious diseases, which college students are at higher risk of contracting than the general population. A postcard was sent to your parents letting them know about the clinic and the opportunity for you to receive vaccinations. Please discuss this opportunity with your parents.

INFLUENZA (i.e., the flu), both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal influenza are thought to spread mostly from person to person through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus. Most people who get influenza recover in a few days, but some people become much sicker and may need to be hospitalized. Influenza can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications. You can also inadvertently transmit the virus to persons vulnerable to complications, such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with chronic medical conditions. With the rigorous demands of college life, even short-term illnesses may hinder your academic achievement and cause a setback in studies.

In addition to the injectable form, influenza vaccine also is available in an intranasal form. YOU MUST RESERVE this form of the vaccine by calling Intravene. More information is at www.intravene.net/uva.

MENINGITIS is an infection of the brain and spinal cord that can lead to infection of the blood, serious disability or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outbreaks of meningitis have increased in recent years, especially in school and campus settings. Infection is spread through direct contact (kissing, sharing a drink) or airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing).