Help Inform Students About Need to be Vaccinated

January 5, 2018

To: Oregon State University faculty, instructors and research assistants

From: Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President

Oregon State Corvallis faculty,

As you are likely aware, the Corvallis campus is in the midst of a meningococcal B disease outbreak. Indeed, a sixth OSU undergraduate student since November 2016 has been diagnosed with this very serious but otherwise uncommon disease. As a result, the university is requiring that all OSU Corvallis students age 25 and under be vaccinated against the disease by February 15.

Given this urgent requirement, I ask for your help in communicating to students in your classes the immediate need to be vaccinated. The vaccination requires multiple doses, which must be started now to be completed by February 15. To help students meet this urgent health requirement, mass vaccination clinics on campus will take place the week of January 8 in partnership with Fred Meyer Pharmacy.

As you make your announcements to students, please emphasize the following:

Being vaccinated is extremely important. Meningococcal disease is uncommon but very serious. In 10 to 15 percent of all cases, death may result, as was the case with a University of Oregon student in 2015. In 20 percent of cases, hearing loss, mental impairment and limb loss can result.

All students age 25 and younger are at risk. Students living in residence halls and in private cooperative group living units, or who are members of—or visitors to—fraternal living groups associated with the university, are at the highest risk.

Students without insurance may find assistance through the Oregon Health Plan (541-766-2130), low-cost payment plans through the Benton County Health Department (541-766-6812), or Student Health Services (if 18 years of age or younger).

Students will not be able to register for spring term classes or receive their final winter term grades without completing the vaccination requirement.

Clinic information:

Tuesday, Jan. 9, through Saturday, Jan. 13

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, no appointment necessary

Check-in: SEC Plaza outside the Memorial Union

Public health experts do not consider people age 26 and older to be at elevated risk of infection from this outbreak. For additional information on the university’s outbreak response, including legally required exemptions for vaccinations and insurance coverage information, please visit the Student Health Services website: GetTheVax.oregonstate.edu

Thank you for your help in communicating this important information to students as they begin winter term classes. Your partnership on this urgent matter is greatly appreciated.

Best wishes for the New Year,

Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President