The UO is once again hosting Meningitis B vaccination clinics for students on Oct. 5 and 6 at the Matthew Knight Arena, and volunteers are needed to provide the best experience for students.

Dozens of university employees volunteered at clinics held in March and May as well as 10 IntroDUCKtion sessions in the summer. Clinic organizers hope to have similar interest for the upcoming clinic scheduled during the second week of fall term.

“Campus is very busy at the beginning of the academic year, and we understand and appreciate the demands on everyone’s time,” said Krista Dillon, assistant director for emergency management and continuity who is overseeing the clinic organization efforts. “The health of our students is a top priority, and we hope employees and supervisors will consider how important the Meningitis situation continues to be.”

Volunteers are needed to assist with student check-in and general clinic flow to keep lines moving in 2.5 hour shifts from noon to 8 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 6. UO employees should seek supervisor approval before volunteering for a shift during work hours.  Upon supervisor approval, volunteers need to fill out this form.

While many incoming students are beginning their series of shots this fall, the October clinic will be the end of the road for thousands of returning students who began the three-shot series this past winter. For them, the October clinic will complete the series for the highest level of protection against the infectious disease that resulted in the death of a UO student last year.  

To date, more than 15,000 doses of vaccination have been administered to UO students at the large scale clinics, as well as off-campus pharmacy locations throughout Lane County and beyond.

“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. “And we don’t want anything to stand in the way, so we continue to bring the vaccine to students right here on campus.”

The volunteer assignments are considered emergency reassignments; therefore employing departments are responsible for covering salary or hourly rates during work hours while an individual is at the clinic. Overtime or other differentials may apply for those where that is applicable for an evening shift.

—By Julie Brown, Enterprise Risk Services