As students begin classes, university and public health leaders are encouraging them to add a key item to the to-do list: A vaccination for meningitis B.

The inoculation is strongly encouraged, and the UO is making it easy with an on-campus clinic Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 at the Matthew Knight Arena. Both run from noon to 8 p.m.

For students who got a first vaccine during IntroDUCKtion, the clinic is an opportunity to get a second dose. For returning students who received the first two doses last spring, now is the time for the final dose. And for students who haven't yet been vaccinated, officials indicate that this is an easy way to get started on the series.

For the Oct. 5-6 clinics, students should bring:

• UO ID
• Insurance card (and pharmacy card) if applicable, and
• Completed meningitis B vaccination form (download in English or Español). 

The university will bill insurance directly. Donated doses are available for students who do not have insurance, so all students encouraged to attend. More information and locations for off-campus pharmacy options are here.

Meningitis B is a serious illness that caused the death of one UO student last year and hospitalized several others. Public health officials say it’s not as easy to catch as the common cold and some people carry it without symptoms, but because it can be fatal it’s important to get vaccinated.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the spread of meningitis B and it’s important that all students receive the vaccine,” said Mike Eyster, senior associate vice president for student life and executive director of the University Health Center.

The vaccination efforts are also creating opportunities for research about meningitis, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Oregon Health Authority continuing a study to assess the impact of the serogroup B meningococcal vaccines. On campus next week, they will be asking students to provide throat swabs to look for asymptomatic carriage of meningococcal bacteria.

Students who participated in the CDC carriage evaluation last spring are eligible, as well as newcomers and those who have yet to be vaccinated. Participation in this evaluation is entirely voluntary and participants will receive a $5 Amazon gift card. Additional information about the evaluation can be found on the University Health Center website.

For more information visit: meningitis.uoregon.edu, or contact the health center at 541-346-8880.