CVS Health offers Meningitis B vaccines in response to Calif. outbreak

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - CVS Health is offering Meningitis B vaccines to people living in Santa Clara County, Calif., in response to confirmed cases of Meningitis B on the Santa Clara University campus. 

 

"Immunizations are an important part of preventive care and a critical way to prevent serious diseases, like Meningitis B," stated Andrew Sussman, EVP and associate chief medical officer of CVS Health, and president of CVS MinuteClinic. "Our CVS pharmacists and MinuteClinic nurse practitioners are ready to provide meningitis vaccinations to people living in Santa Clara County now, and can help ensure that patients stay up to date on vaccinations in the future."

 

Students at Santa Clara University who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to get vaccinated. In addition, anyone who has had close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with a meningococcal illness, as well as faculty and staff who have conditions such as asplenia, a complement deficiency, or sickle cell anemia, should also receive the vaccine.

 

In addition, CVS Pharmacy locations in Palo Alto and Menlo Park will hold Meningitis Clinics from Feb. 10 to Feb. 16. 

 

The symptoms of meningitis include the sudden onset of fever, headache and stiff neck. Patients may also have nausea, vomiting, confusion and sensitivity to light. The symptoms of septicemia include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, cold hands and feet, chills, severe muscle aches, and rapid breathing. A dark purple or red rash may also be present. People with these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.