In the months and weeks after six cases of Meningitis-B appeared on campus-- killing one student---the University of Oregon continues communication with students and parents about vaccination efforts. The college reports that students are still coming in for shots. However, data on the vaccination rates among the highest-risk groups on campus is still not available.
The university says nearly 10,000 students have received the first of two shots against Meningococcemia. That's less than half of their goal to vaccinate every undergraduate on campus. After a large scale clinic last month, students were steered to off-campus "partner pharmacies." U of O Public Affairs officer Jen McCulley says vaccination records must be pulled from a national database and then compiled by the registrar. Only then will they know how they are doing with targeted, high risk groups.
"We're looking to kind of sift out our undergraduate population that lives in the residence halls. Have we reached students in Greek Life? With that additional information, it will help guide our targeted outreach."
McCulley says that messaging includes emails, marketing and peer to peer outreach. Last month, Governor Kate Brown produced a PSA.
"There's something everyone can do to bring this to a halt. Get the Meningitis B vaccine. It's free and not only it will it save your life. It will save the lives of others around you as well."
The next large scale vaccination clinic at U of O is scheduled for May 12-14 and will offer the follow-up doses of the newly approved drug Trumemba.
