Your student at VES can protect him/herself against several serious health threats to students by taking advantage of immunizations offered in cooperation with Intravene on campus in the fall of 2008.

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

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)

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

Meningitis $110.00
Influenza $30.00

Intravene will be providing vaccines at VES in the fall of 2008 when the influenza vaccine is available. If you would like for your student to receive any immunizations please complete the informed consent form and return to VES. If you have any questions please call Intravene at 1-877-947-3902, extension 2172. Other vaccines may be obtained by request.