*MEDIA ALERT*
Meningitis Survivors Urge California College Students to
Get Vaccinated Against Serious Infectious Diseases
Event Seeks to Educate about Recommended College Vaccines, Encourage Immunization
WHAT:
A college immunization awareness event featuring meningococcal disease
survivors Melanie Benn and Jonathan DeGuzman who will discuss their personal
experiences with the disease and the importance of vaccination. Melanie and
Jonathan both contracted meningococcal disease, a potentially deadly bacterial
infection more commonly known as meningitis, while in college. As a result of
the disease, Melanie lost her arms and legs and Jonathan had to undergo
amputation of his fingers and both feet.
Howard Backer, MD, MPH, from the California Department of Public Health will
discuss recommended vaccinations for college students, including the
meningococcal, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis), HPV, flu and chickenpox
vaccines.
The event also will feature a DJ, informational booths, and giveaways for
students. Vaccinations will be available on site for UC Berkeley and Mills College
students who have the student health insurance plan.
WHY:
The recent death of a Louisiana State University student due to meningitis
is a brutal reminder of the importance of immunizations for college
students. College students are at increased risk for certain infectious diseases
due to lifestyle factors such as close contact and crowded living conditions,
making vaccination an important step for protection. This event is designed to
educate students about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
immunization recommendations for college students and encourage them to get
vaccinated before the start of the new school year.
Additionally, August marks National Immunization Awareness Month and
Meningitis Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of California.
WHO:
The following spokespersons will be available for interviews:

Melanie Benn, meningococcal disease survivor and National Meningitis
Association volunteer

Jonathan DeGuzman, meningococcal disease survivor and National
Meningitis Association volunteer

Howard Backer, MD, MPH, Chief, California Department of Public Health
(CDPH) Immunization Branch
The event is being hosted by the California Immunization Coalition, National
Meningitis Association, Berkeley University Health Services and the City of
Berkeley Public Health Department.
WHEN:
Monday, August 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:
UC Berkeley’s Tang Center, 2222 Bancroft Way, University of California,
Berkeley, 94720-4300
CONTACT:
Rebeca Boyte; (510) 620-3762; Email: Rebeca.Boyte@cdph.ca.gov
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