Your student at Episcopal can protect him/herself against several serious health threats to students by taking advantage of immunizations offered in cooperation with Intravene.

As a parent you may not be aware of the health risks associated with Meningococcal Meningitis, Hepatitis B, Influenza, and HPV.

Meningococcal Meningitis
Outbreaks of meningitis due to the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis have risen on college campuses in recent years.  Meningitis is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and can lead to permanent disabilities such as hearing loss and brain damage.  Meningococcemia (blood infection) can lead to kidney and heart failure and also result in severe disability and death.  Students are more susceptible because they live and work in close proximity to each other in residence halls and classrooms. Students at boarding schools live in similar conditions as college freshmen who live in residence halls. These college freshman students have a six times higher risk of meningitis than college students overall. Meningitis is passed through such common habits as sharing a drink or cigarette, kissing or through the air via coughing or sneezing. 

There is a safe, effective vaccine that can provide protection against four strains of meningitis, which together account for 70% of meningitis cases on campus.  In the past, vaccination has been delayed until an outbreak occurs.  Because the onset of symptoms is extremely rapid and immunity after vaccination can take up to 2 weeks to develop, it makes sense for students to consider reducing their risk before an outbreak occurs. 
Learn more from The CDC.
Meningococcal Disease
The Meningococcal Vaccine (PDF)

Influenza
Influenza (“the flu”) can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications such as pneumonia. With a rigorous curriculum, even a short illness may cause a setback in studies and hinder academic achievement. Many schools encourage their students to be immunized against influenza annually to prevent an outbreak, which can occur very quickly. You may also bring Influenza home to older family members during school breaks.
Learn more from The CDC.
Influenza in the United States
The Influenza Vaccine (PDF)

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can cause severe liver damage and can lead to death.   Hepatitis B is an infection that is passed through blood and body fluids (sexual contact, sharing of needles or razors, tattooing or piercing, contact sports). According to the CDC statistics, every year in the United States approximately 240,000 people are infected with hepatitis B and there are approximately 0.75 to 1.0 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus in the United States, one third of who do not know the source of their infection.  The CDC also states that in some settings, the hepatitis B virus can be up to 100 times more contagious than the AIDS virus. 
Learn more from The CDC.
Hepatitis B
The Hepatitis B Vaccine (PDF)

Gardasil
HPV (Genital Human Papillomavirus) is the virus which as been associated with cervical cancer. Gardasil is a vaccine which protects against the 4 major types of the 40 types of HPV. Of these 4 types 2 can cause about 70% of cervical cancer and 2 can cause about 90% of genital warts. It is recommended for girls 11-12 years of age before exposure to HPV. Once exposed the vaccine will not protect against disease.
Learn more from the CDC.
HPV
HPV Vaccine Information (PDF)

Fees:
The cost of the vaccines given will be charged to the student’s account.

Hepatitis B ( 3 doses required) $75.00 per dose
Meningitis $110.00
Gardasil ( 3 doses required) $150.00 per dose
Influenza $30.00

Intravene will be providing vaccines at Episcopal High School early in November 2008 when influenza vaccine is available. If you would like for your student to receive any immunizations please complete the informed consent form and return to Episcopal High School. If you have any questions please call Intravene at 1-877-947-3902, extension 2172.