University of Oregon hold meningitis B vaccination clinics through March 5

In response to four recent cases of meningococcemia/meningococcal meningitis in University of Oregon students since the beginning of the year, including the death of 18-year-old freshman, Lauren Jones, the school began Monday to provide, at a cost, the meningitis B vaccine for UO students.

Gram-negative Neisseria meningitidis diplococcal bacteria/CDC

The remainder of the vaccination clinic days/hours include Tuesday through Friday this week from 10 am to 5 pm at the Matthew Knight Arena.

In addition, beginning Monday, Feb. 23, UO students can bring their ID card and insurance card (if applicable) to the University Health Center, an additional clinic set up at the Matthew Knight Arena or at 15 Safeway, Albertson's, or Walgreens pharmacies in Lane County to receive a recommended Meningitis B vaccine.

The university also announced there will be a large-scale vaccination clinic March 2 to March 5 on campus at the Matthew Knight Arena.

Neisseria meningitidis is a bacterium that causes meningitis and other serious infections. The 6 subtypes of these bacteria are responsible for most meningococcal disease worldwide. Type B causes approximately 50% of the cases in Oregon and is suspected to be the cause of the most recent outbreak in Eugene.

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