Vaccines are important for your health, safety
Before vaccines, thousands of people lost their lives to what we would now consider vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines were developed to stop the spread of disease, and ultimately save lives. For example, after the measles vaccine went into widespread use, there was a 97.25 percent decrease in the number of cases reported. Similar declines in other disease rates are reported after a vaccine becomes available.
Emily Tuschhoff
Health Education Coordinator
Many children are up to date with their vaccine schedule, as most vaccines are required to be in the K-12 public school system. There are exceptions to the requirement, leaving some students unprotected. Additionally, some vaccines require booster shots that are not always required by the public school system.
For example, the vaccine to protect people against bacterial meningococcal disease is required to be administered at ages 11-12. However, a booster shot is recommended after five years, but not required. This leaves students at risk during one of the most high-risk times in their lives — college.
College students are at an increased risk for bacterial meningitis and other infectious diseases, due to the college lifestyle. This includes living in close proximity to others, such as in residence halls, Greek housing and small apartments, along with sharing saliva through food, drinking cups and kissing. The meningitis vaccine is not required for college students in Idaho, however, it is strongly recommended.
Thanks to a campaign sponsored by the Idaho Immunization Coalition, Vandal Health Education offered free meningitis vaccines the first five weeks of the fall semester. Students who missed the opportunity can still get vaccinated at the Student Health Clinic, Public Health Department or their regular physician.
Another round of free vaccination clinics are coming to campus — we encourage all students get their flu shot to help prevent the spread of influenza. The flu is a contagious respiratory disease that infects the nose, throat and lungs and can lead to missed classes, missed work and serious complications. Examples of flu-related complications include pneumonia and bronchitis. Even if you recover quickly from the flu, those around you — who you may have infected — may not be so lucky. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu.
The flu virus changes every year, therefore, everyone needs a flu vaccine every flu season. Vandal Health Ed is offering free flu vaccines for University of Idaho students – Oct. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3p.m., in TLC 143 and Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in TLC 143.
If you do get sick, there are some things you can do to help prevent the spread of illness. Some strategies include staying home if you feel sick, covering your cough with a sleeve or tissue and then throwing away the tissue, washing your hands regularly with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces at home, class or work and avoiding others who are feeling sick.
These steps, along with getting your annual flu vaccine, will help us all be healthy Vandals this flu season. If you have questions about whether you are up to date with your vaccines, please consult with your regular physician or make an appointment at the Student Health Clinic, 885-6693. Here’s to your health!
Emily Tuschhoff is the UI Health Education Coordinator and can be reached at [email protected]