UHS Schedules Walk-in Clinics for Meningococcal B Vaccine

University Health Services is offering a series of walk-in clinics to administer the meningococcal B vaccine. Dr. George Corey announced the clinics Jan. 23 in a broadcast email to the campus community:

Dear Campus Community,

Welcome back for spring semester! I wanted to take this time to update you about our efforts to prevent meningococcal disease at UMass, which include a series of five walk-in clinics.

The clinics are scheduled for:

  • Saturday, Jan. 27, Noon–4 p.m. at University Health Services

  • Tuesday, Jan. 30, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. in Campus Center, Room 163

  • Thursday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Berkshire Dining Commons

  • Wednesday, Feb. 7, 3 p.m.– 6 p.m. at University Health Services, Room 302

  • Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. in Commonwealth Honors College Events Hall

As you know, we had two cases of meningococcal disease on campus during the fall semester and we conducted several large- and small-scale vaccination clinics to get as many of you vaccinated as possible. Vaccination for our undergraduates and those who live in undergraduate housing is the best action we can take to protect you against this rare, but serious, disease.

We are primarily using a two-shot meningococcal B vaccine called Bexsero to protect you. The other Men-B vaccine, Trumenba, is also available for those who have started that three-shot series.  We want to stress the importance of completing the series in order to receive the fullest protection possible. If you haven’t received your second shot, we have scheduled five walk-in clinics during January and February. If you have yet to start the vaccination series, we encourage you to come to one of these clinics to get started.

Again, these clinics are walk-in and no appointment is necessary. Please remember to bring your insurance card and any documentation of vaccination received at home with you when you come.

Finally, remember these health smart tips to prevent the spread of disease as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Do not share anything that comes in contact with the mouth – water bottles, face masks, towels, drinking glasses or cups, eating utensils, cosmetics, lip balm, toothbrushes, smoking materials, kisses, or drinks from a common source.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer.

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.

More information about meningococcal disease at UMass can be found at www.umass.edu/meningitis. If you have additional questions or concerns, you may contact the UHS triage nurse at 413-577-5229.

Sincerely,

George A. Corey, M.D.
Executive Director
University Health Services