There are three threats to your education here at Boise State that can be prevented with simple vaccines. The first is meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain that often is fatal even if treated early. All students between the ages of 16-21 should receive the vaccine against meningitis, especially if they are living in a residence hall (meningitis can spread quickly when people are living close together in groups). The second disease threat is influenza, or the flu. Each year many people still die from infections with the flu virus. The flu is much more severe than a common cold, and many students miss a week or more of school while recovering. Flu shots are the only proven way to prevent the flu. Lastly, many college students are infected by mumps, which can cause a lethal brain infection and sometimes can lead to reproductive sterility.  Mumps is also preventable by vaccine.
So, what should you do to prevent catching these diseases?
Check your shot records:
- Have you had the MENINGITIS vaccine at least once after the age of 16? If no, you need a booster shot.
- Have you had at least TWO doses of the MMR vaccine? If not, you need a booster shot.
- Every fall (after October 1) GET A FLU SHOT.
All of these vaccines are available at Health Services–no appointment is necessary.
If you don’t have your shot records or aren’t sure if your shots are up to date, drop by Health Services and we will help you figure it out.
Don’t get any of these diseases–they are all preventable with simple shots!