photo by Dominique Hildebrand
Point Park’s Health Services requires students to have a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and one meningitis vaccine before admittance to the University.
As of Feb. 6, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 121 cases of the measles in 17 states.
The CDC also said the “flu remains widespread across most of the country and severity indicators are still high” and cited 69 deaths from the disease in the 2014-2015 season.
As these viruses spread across the U.S., there is currently an ongoing debate about whether or not children should receive vaccinations. Parents and doctors are arguing for and against vaccinations all around the country. And while many people are against vaccinations, some healthcare officials believe they are significant to society.
“[Vaccines] stimulate your immune system to protect against [diseases],” said Rite Aid pharmacist Michelle Cummings Feb. 13.
Cummings cites the recent outbreak of the measles and mumps in the U.S. as reasons why vaccinations are imperative. She said diseases “spread so easily” in close quarters.
The measles virus is a “highly contagious virus and spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing,” according to the CDC’s website.
Symptoms of the measles include fever, runny nose, coughing, red eyes and a sore throat. A rash that spreads all over the body follows.
The measles virus can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is usually given in two doses.
Point Park requires students to show they received the MMR vaccine. Students are also required to receive one meningitis vaccine and a tuberculin skin test before full admittance to the University.
“I see students in my office daily between December and March who have the flu or flu-like symptoms,” said Point Park nurse Heather Capo in an email interview. “It is rare that I see students with other vaccine-preventable diseases.”
While there are required immunizations, there are also some that are strongly recommended such as varicella and hepatitis B. The diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, DTap, vaccine and its booster, Tdap, are also suggested.
“The vaccines that are required are as such because they carry an inherently larger risk to either the person who could become infected or those around them,” Capo said. “The vaccinations that are only ‘recommended’…are a matter of personal choice and risk factor. For example, the [human papilloma virus] vaccine.”
In order to confirm that students have been properly immunized, students have to submit a Student Health Record form to the Student Health Center. If a health record is not submitted, students are unable to register for classes.
There are some cases where students do not receive vaccinations for religious reasons.
“A student would have to fill out a ‘vaccination exemption’ request form,” Capo said. “It is then submitted to the dean of students for approval.”
Senior Emily Kern is “pro” vaccinations.
“It’s important because some of the diseases that [vaccinations] do help us get rid of are ones that can turn out to be really bad and spread really quickly,” said the sports, arts and entertainment management major Feb. 16.
Kern said she is aware of the recent measles outbreak in the country because of her relatives that have children. She said she has been hearing about all the scares associated with the disease.
“It is important that you don’t aid in the spread of measles,” she said. “And that you do get your kids vaccinated at that young of an age.”
Although Kern has not received a flu shot in “a very long time,” she believes the vaccinations that protect children against the chickenpox, the mumps and measles are “good.” She received her MMR vaccination when she was younger.
According to Cummings, customers can receive the MMR vaccine for $92.99 at the Rite Aid on Penn Avenue; however, the nearest CVS that offers the MMR vaccine is located on Duncan Avenue.
Flu shots are available at local pharmacies and are covered by most insurance plans. The Student Health Center also gives $10 flu shots at designated times during the school year.
For more information on vaccinations, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.
