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Call 474-7043 (TTY 474-7045) for appointments

The following vaccines are available at the Center:

Vaccines and tests required for residence hall occupancy (see BOR Regulation 09.11.010

Flu vaccine - free when available

Meningitis vaccine - free for students who are under 19 - other students $90. See additional information about Meningitis below.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine - free for students who are under 19 - other students $145/shot (3 shot series over 6 months). See additional information about HPV below.

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Meningitis - A brief overview

Types of Meningitis

• Viral meningitis – usually less severe symptoms and rarely fatal – treated with supportive care – no vaccine available

• Bacterial meningitis – symptoms vary widely and can be fatal very quickly – can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early – vaccine is available for some strains – overall risk is low, infants are at highest risk, college freshmen in group living situations such as dormitories appear to be at slightly increased risk compared with other adults.

US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following for college students

• educate students and parents about meningitis and the availability of vaccine
• make vaccine available conveniently for students who are interested

The American College Health Association (ACHA), the national professional association for college health services, supports the recommendations of the CDC.

Neither the CDC nor ACHA has recommended universal vaccination for college students. To date, 10 states (CT, DE, FL, MD, MA, NJ, NY, OK, PA, VA) have passed legislation requiring meningitis vaccination (or a signed waiver) for college students. 21 additional states have passed legislation requiring colleges to provide education about meningitis.

In 2005, the State of Alaska passed HB 185 requiring post-secondary institutions to have students living in residence halls receive a meningitis vaccination or receive education about the disease. UAF complies with this law, and students living in residence halls must sign a form confirming that they have been vaccinated or received information.

Frequently Asked Questions about meningitis

How common is meningitis?

Meningitis is rare with fewer than 3000 cases per year nationwide and fewer than 300 deaths. The rate in the 15 – 24 year old age group has increased in the last 10 years. Currently, about 100-125 cases occur on college campus each year, claiming about 15 lives.

How common is meningitis in Alaska?

In 2002, 7 people contracted this disease statewide – two of whom lived in the Interior. In 2003, 7 people again contracted the disease statewide – none lived in the Interior.

Where can my son or daughter get the vaccine?

The UAF Center for Health and Counseling has the vaccine available. It is also available at some medical facilities in town.

How much does the vaccine cost?

Currently $90

What are the risks associated with getting the vaccine?

The risks are very low and usually are limited to mild pain or inflammation at the injection site.

Additional information is available at the website of the Meningitis Foundation of America.

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HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Information

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is common group of viruses that infect the skin. Some types of HPV cause common warts, while other types are found mainly in genital skin. There are some types of HPV which cause changes with a woman's cervix that can lead to cervical cancer. These types of HPV strains are known as "high-risk" types. There are also strains of HPV which are known as "low-risk" because they aren't found with cervical cancers, but these can sometimes cause genital warts.

The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent infection from four of the strains of HPV - two of the "high-risk" type and two of the "low-risk" type. It is recommended for females between the ages of 9-26. It is given in a series of three shots over six months. It is free for females under the age of 19 since it is provided free of charge by the State of Alaska Vaccine Program . For women 19 and over, private insurance may pay for the vaccine (check with your carrier) or some women may qualify for a free vaccine through an indigent pharmaceutical company program.

2nd Floor - Health Safety and Security Building - (across from Wood Center) For appointments call (907) 474-7043 or (TTY) (907) 474-7045 PO Box 755580, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5580 Email: fyheaco@uaf.edu Fax: (907) 474-5777

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