National IZ Awareness Month Targets College Students

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The recent death of a Louisiana State University student from meningococcal disease was a stark reminder about how devastating vaccine-preventable diseases can be for families, communities, and college campuses. College students are at increased risk for certain infectious diseases due to lifestyle factors such as close contact and crowded living conditions.

The IZ Branch will use this year’s NIAM observance to partner with UC Berkeley to educate students about VPD risks. On August 25, an event will be held during the on-campus student health center open house. The event is the result of a partnership of the University Health Services, the National Meningitis Association (NMA), the California Immunization Coalition (CIC), and the City of Berkeley Public Health Department.  NMA spokespersons and meningococcal disease survivors, Melanie Benn and Jonathan Deguzman, will share their survival stories and encourage students to be immunized. Immunization Branch Chief Dr. Howard Backer will discuss other important immunizations for young adults. The event will also feature a DJ, interactive games, and giveaways.  For more information contact Rebeca Boyte at rboyte@cdph.ca.gov.