How Is Meningitis Treated
Most cases of viral meningitis end within 7 to 10 days. Some people might need to be treated in the hospital, although kids usually can recover at home if they’re not too ill. Treatment to ease symptoms includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medicine.
If bacterial meningitis is diagnosed or even suspected doctors will start intravenous antibiotics as soon as possible. Fluids may be given to replace those lost to fever, sweating, vomiting, and poor appetite.
Student Health Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not answered below, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all full-time SLU students on campus. A request must be completed online through Aetna Student Health during open enrollment periods to either enroll in or waive out of the University Health Plan. If no action is taken, you will be automatically enrolled in the University Health Plan.
The Student Health Center is a regular fee for service physicians office and will bill your primary insurance company. You may pay your co-payment at the time of service. Charges are based on usual and customary fees in the St. Louis area. Billing questions can be answered by calling 314-977-5050. If you do not want us to bill your insurance, ask us about our self-pay options.
We bill all insurance companies. However, we recommend that you call your benefits plan coordinator first to see if they will cover our physician services. Please see this information on insurance companies who have contracted with SLUCare, as well as more tips for making sure your coverage is set up to cover you when you need it. If not, some students select the University Health Plan. You are responsible to pay the balance your insurance does not cover. If payment is not received within 120 days from the date of service, a hold will be placed on your registration.
Measles Mumps And Rubella
This is important if your child never got this shot.
This shot protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. There is a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella shot that also protects against chickenpox . It can be substituted for either or both doses of MMR in children ages 12 months to 12 years.
Who should get it?
- If your child did not get either or both doses, he or she should try to get immunized at age 11 or 12.
- Some children may need another dose if your community has had a recent mumps outbreak. Ask your health department if your child will need another dose.
This shot does not necessarily reduce the risk of getting pneumonia. But it can prevent some of the serious complications of pneumonia, such as blood infections .
Who should get it?
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How Much Do Vaccines Cost At Cvs
Here are the retail costs for several in-demand vaccines at CVS Pharmacy:
In-demand vaccines | |
---|---|
Tdap | $77 |
If you live in an area that has both CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic, compare prices and insurance coverage. You may be able to get a slightly better price by shopping around. You may also be able to ask one store to match the price of the other.
What Vaccines Does Medicare Part D Cover

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Part D coverage is offered through private insurance companies through either a stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Medicare Part D plans cover all vaccines that are:
- Commercially available
- Reasonable and necessary to prevent illness
- Not covered by Medicare Part B
While Medicare Part B generally covers most vaccines that Medicare patients need, Medicare Part D generally covers vaccines that Medicare Part B does not cover. This would include the shingles vaccine. All Medicare Part D plans are required to cover the shingles vaccine and its administration.
To see if travel vaccines are covered by your Medicare Part D plan, check with the plans formulary, or list of covered drugs. A new preventative vaccine may not specifically appear in the Medicare Part D plan formulary but the plan may still cover the vaccine.
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Do I Have To Pay For Vaccines With Medicare
You pay nothing for vaccines covered by Part B flu, pneumonia and Hepatitis B as long as your provider accepts Medicare.
Your cost for vaccines covered by Part D will depend on your specific plan. You may pay a copay or coinsurance, but it will depend on your plan and the provider.
The location where you get vaccinated may also affect your cost. For example, your costs may be lower if you get a vaccine at a pharmacy versus in a doctors office.
Children Previously Vaccinated With One Or More Doses Of Haemophilus B Conjugate Vaccine
Pentacel may be used to complete the vaccination series in infants and children previously vaccinated with one or more doses of a Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine , who are also scheduled to receive the other antigens of Pentacel. However, the safety and efficacy of Pentacel in such infants have not been evaluated. If different brands of Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccines are administered to complete the series, three primary immunizing doses are needed, followed by a booster dose.
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What Are Some Reasons To Get Immunized
- Immunizations protect you or your child from dangerous diseases.
- They help reduce the spread of disease to others.
- They are often needed for entrance into school or day care. And they may be needed for employment or for travel to another country.
- Getting immunized costs less than getting treated for the diseases that the shots protect you from.
- The risk of getting a disease is much greater than the risk of having a serious reaction to the vaccine.
- When immunization rates drop below a certain level, preventable diseases show up again. Often, these diseases are hard to treat. For example, measles outbreaks still occur in the U.S.
If you are a woman who is planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about what immunizations you have had and what you may need to protect your baby. And if you live with a pregnant woman, make sure your vaccines are up-to-date.
Traveling to other countries may be another reason to get immunized. Talk with your doctor months before you leave, to see if you need any shots.
Vaccine Safety And Effectiveness
How was the COVID-19 vaccine developed so quickly?
Scientists began work on the COVID-19 vaccine in January 2020. Dedicated vaccine funding helped move vaccine candidates through the preclinical/clinical assessments and trials both quickly and thoughtfully. This has enabled researchers to advance into phase 3 clinical trials in six months instead of the typical two years. The vaccine was mass produced before the clinical studies were complete to save time.
In addition, previous research done at Oxford University to create a vaccine against other coronaviruses, such as Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome , laid the groundwork for the COVID-19 vaccine. Scientists were not starting from scratch when they began work on the COVID-19 vaccine.
To learn more about the rigorous scientific and regulatory processes in place to facilitate development and ensure safety, effectiveness and quality of the COVID-19 vaccines, please refer to the Food and Drug Administrations website.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and hundreds of millions of doses have been given in the U.S. They were also previously evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met the FDAs rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality needed to support approval or authorization of a vaccine. For more information on COVID-19 vaccine safety, please visit CDC.gov.
Can the vaccine cause COVID-19?
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What Are The Costs For Medicare Part D Vaccines
The fact that a vaccine is covered by Medicare Part D does not necessarily mean you pay nothing for this vaccine. What you pay for a Medicare Part D vaccine depends on:
- The type of vaccine
- Where you get the vaccine
- Who gives you the vaccine
In some cases, you may have to pay the entire cost for the vaccine medication and the administration of the vaccine and ask your Medicare Part D plan to pay you back for a share of the cost.
Do you have more questions about Medicare Part D coverage of vaccines? Feel free to enter your zip code on this page to browse Medicare plan options in your location. Or, if you prefer to get personalized assistance, contact us to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We can help you find Medicare plan options that address your Medicare needs.
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Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But dont worry, were here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.
Quality Of Care Vaccines
Medicaid plays a key role in the prevention of disease through facilitating access to vaccines and vaccine activities. All children under the age of 21 who are eligible for the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment benefit receive all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice recommended vaccines. The federally funded Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines at no cost to children who are enrolled in Medicaid, uninsured, underinsured, or an American Indian or Alaska Native through age 18.
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What Vaccines Does Medicare Part B Cover
Medicare Part B generally covers vaccines for:
- Flu
One flu shot per flu season. You pay generally nothing if the provider accepts assignment for giving the shot.
- Hepatitis B
People at medium to high risk for Hepatitis B are covered. People at low risk may not be covered. You generally pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment for giving the shot.
- Pneumococcal to prevent pneumonia
All people with Medicare Part B are covered. You generally pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment for giving the shot.
Student Health Insurance Plan : Coverage And Costs
Insurance coverage ensures that students have accessto additional care outside of USC Student Health primary care services, such as longer term mental health care, visits to urgent care centers after hours, specialist visits, surgery/hospitalization coverage, as well as prescription coverage and vision care.
Premium Rates for 2021-2022:
FOR ALL ON-CAMPUS DEGREE PROGRAMS
- Fall 2021 rate: $753
- Spring 2022 rate: $1,363
FOR ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS
- Fall 2021 rate: $1,383
- Spring 2022 rate: $2,622
NOTES:
International travel programs insurance rates are individually quoted by the Insurance Office.
Dental plan is available separately, contact the Insurance Office through .
Vision care is included in the SHIP/Aetna plan .
Spring charges for SHIP/Aetna are typically higher than fall, as the coverage period is longer .
Currently, referrals are not required for specialist visits .
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What Immunizations Are Recommended For Children And Adolescents
Ask your doctor what shots your child should get. The immunization schedule includes vaccines for:
- Bacterial meningitis.
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis .
- Flu .
- Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, or Hib disease.
- Hepatitis A.
- Polio.
- Rotavirus.
Immunizations start right after birth, and many are given throughout a baby’s first 23 months. Booster shots occur throughout life.
Fewer immunizations are needed after age 6. But older children and teens need shots too . Some shots are also given during adulthood .
It is important to keep a good record, including a list of any reactions to the vaccines. When you enroll your child in day care or school, you may need to show proof of immunizations. Your child may also need the record later in life for college, employment, or travel.
Talk to your doctor if you or your child plans to be in a group living situation, like a college dormitory or summer camp. You may want certain shots, like those for meningitis.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine For Pediatric Travelers
Taucher and colleagues stated that in an initial study among children from non-Japanese encephalitis -endemic countries, sero-protection rates remained high 6 months following completion of the primary series with IXIARO. In an open-label, follow-up study, a subset of 23 children who received a 2-dose primary series of IXIARO in the parent study, were examined for safety and neutralizing antibody persistence for 36 months. SPRs remained high but declined from 100 % 1 month after primary immunization to 91.3 % at month 7 and 89.5 % at month 36. Geometric mean titers declined considerably from 384.1 by day 56-60.8 at month 36. No long-term safety concerns were identified. The authors concluded that the substantial decline in GMT observed in this study, together with previously published data on children vaccinated with IXIARO supported the recommendation for a booster dose in children who remain at risk of JE from 1 year after the primary series of IXIARO, consistent with the recommendation for adults.
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Protection From The Flu
The seasonal flu vaccine is available at no cost to Aetna members who have benefits that cover preventive services.
The vaccine is available for adults and for children 6 months and older. Children aged 6 months through age 8 who have never had the vaccine or have only had one dose in their lifetimes should have two doses of the flu vaccine, with at least four weeks between doses.
Blood Pressure And Cholesterol Screening
There are usually no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure or high cholesterol. That’s why it’s important to:
- Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked as often as your doctor advises
- Write down your numbers
- Stay on the treatment plan you and your doctor agreed on
Your goals will depend on your risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Ask your doctor what your goals should be.
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Where Can You Get Your Shots And Vaccines
If you have health insurance, choosing an in-network provider or a retail clinic that participates in your insurance plan can help you keep costs lower. You can get shots from an out-of-network provider, but you may be asked to pay the full price.
If you have a CareFirst health insurance plan, learn more about what vaccines are covered in the Summary of Preventive Services or ask Member Services any questions you may have.
If you are a member of another health plan, or are comparing available benefits, ask your health insurer’s Member Services office what vaccines are covered with your health insurance.
Submitting Your Immunization Forms
Immunizations : In order to keep our community healthy and free from vaccine preventable diseases, we require that all new students submit evidence of a number of immunizations. Required vaccines include:
-
Two measles, mumps and rubella vaccine doses or blood titer evidence of immunity
-
One meningitis ACWY vaccine dose within 3 years of arrival at UMD for undergraduate students
-
One tetanus, diptheria and pertussis vaccine dose within the last 10 years
-
Completion of a tuberculosis risk screening questionnaire and additional testing depending on your responses to the screening questions.
Our Immunization Record Form must be completed and uploaded prior to your arrival to campus. New students may submit information online beginning June 1.
Visit myuhc.umd.edu or bring your completed forms to the second floor of the Health Center
The University of Maryland requires International Students to:
Complete the Immunization Requirements found on our Immunization form
Complete the online Tuberculosis Risk Screening by going to www.myuhc.umd.edu or fill in Section D of the University of Maryland Immunization Record Form. If any response is “YES”, the student is required to have a Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot test. This test MUST be performed in the United States within the past 12 months. We will not accept any TB blood tests from other countries.
If you are asked to provide proof of a chest x-ray it must be done in the U.S. within the past 12 months.
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About The Meningococcal Vaccine
A meningococcal vaccine is available for protection against most strains of the bacteria that causes meningitis. Meningitis is the inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord that is fatal in 10 to 15 percent of the cases. Though the disease is rare, college students living in dormitories and individuals with weak immune systems can be more susceptible to the disease. The immunization requires one injection in the arm and is 85 to 90 percent protective against strains A, C, Y and W-135, but not type B. Most Meningococcal diseases in the U.S. are caused by types B or C. A booster is recommended after three to five years, if still at higher risk.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Meningitis
Meningitis symptoms vary, depending on the person’s age and the cause of the infection. The first symptoms can come on quickly or start several days after someone has had a cold, diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of an infection.
Common symptoms include:
- skin rash
Meningitis in Infants
Infants with meningitis might have different symptoms. Babies might be cranky, feed poorly, and be sleepy or hard to wake up. It may be hard to comfort them, even when they’re picked up and rocked. They also may have a fever or bulging fontanelle .
Other symptoms of meningitis in babies can include:
- jaundice
- stiffness of the body and neck
- a lower-than-normal temperature
- a high-pitched cry
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How Much Do The Pneumonia Vaccines Cost
Medicare Part B covers 100% of the cost of the pneumococcal vaccines with no copayments or other costs. Check that your provider accepts Medicare assignment before the visit to ensure full coverage.
The costs for a Part B plan in 2020 include a monthly premium of $144.60 and a deductible of $198.
There are many different Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies. Each come with different costs. Review the benefits and costs of each plan with your specific budget and needs in mind to make the best choice for your situation.