The new school year is rapidly approaching and the rising costs of school supplies and back-to-school essentials can add up fast. While pencils and paper might already be checked-off of your list, what about vaccinations? In an effort to help keep the community up-to-date on their immunizations for the upcoming academic year, Lone Star College-North Harris will host three free meningitis vaccination clinics Thursday, Aug. 17.
LSC-North Harris’ TRiO Program (Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound and Student Support Services) have teamed up with Caring for Children Foundations’ Care Van and Harris County Public Health to host three different vaccination clinics throughout the day, providing a flexible timeframe in order to better serve its’ students and the community. General vaccines and meningitis vaccines will be offered at all clinics.
The vaccination clinics are free and open for members of the community from four to 18 years of age. A limited number of low-cost meningitis vaccinations will be available at the LSC-Greenspoint Center and LSC-Victory Center for students over the age of 19 if they do not have insurance.
Students may be eligible for free vaccinations if they have Medicaid, if they do not have health insurance, if they have health insurance that does not cover certain vaccines or, if they are an American Indian or Alaskan Native.
“It is because of great community partnerships like these, that we are able to not only assist our students, but assist students in our service area,” said LSC-North Harris President, Dr. Gerald Napoles. “Healthcare is important, and we as a community college want to do our part to make sure everyone is getting the care they need, and provide an opportunity to keep costs low for students and their families.”
Approximately 1,000–1,200 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people 16 to 21 years, which is the average age range of most college students.
As of January 1, 2012, all students entering college are required to show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination or a booster dose during the five-year period prior to enrolling. They must get the vaccine at least 10 days before the semester begins. Fall classes begin Aug. 28 at Lone Star College.
Complete immunization records are required for all vaccinations, except meningitis.
Students must to make a reservation to attend. To RSVP, please contact Maria.D.Gonzalez@LoneStar.edu and provide the student’s name, age, vaccination(s) needed and location. Once an RSVP has been received, you will receive additional forms via email. Forms will also be available on-site on August 17.
Clinic Locations:
Lone Star College-North Harris
2700 W.W. Thorne Dr., Houston, TX 77073
Student Services Building, Room 205
Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sponsored by the Caring for Children Foundations’ Care Van
Lone Star College-Victory Center
4141 Victory Center Drive, Room 102, Houston, TX 77088
August 17, from 10 a.m. to noon
Sponsored by Harris County Public Health
Lone Star College-Greenspoint Center
250 North Sam Houston Pkwy. East, Room 306, Houston, TX 77060
August 17, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Sponsored by Harris County Public Health
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris. Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 95,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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