Sexually transmitted infections are most common among 15 to 24 year olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and 80 percent of these don’t show symptoms for some time. To combat the spread of STIs around campus, the Student Health Center has offered 50 STI shots this week for free after the Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) presented the idea to the Student Government Association to acquire funding.
“The Student Health Advisory Board advises the Student Health Center on a variety of health related topics, including student health insurance, and is active in health education outreach,” staff advisor Rebecca Roldan wrote in an email. “SHAB is aware of data generated from the National College Health Association Survey (performed every two years at Pepperdine), which indicates there is a need for this testing on campus.”
According to the American Social Health Association, there are about 19 million new cases of STIs each year in the United States alone. Half of these occur among young adults, and Physicians Assistant Jennifer Ehteshami said testing is highly recommended by the CDC and the American College Health Association. Those who are sexually active should have STI testing once per year or more frequently based on activity and risk.
Though Christian values promote “abstinence before marriage,” many students said they support the university’s decision to make these resources available.
“It’s not an issue that’s going to go away whether or not they address it,” sophomore Elena Sullivan said. “Kids are going to have sex regardless, so Pepperdine might as well make sure students stay healthy.”
Freshman Bryan Starck said STI testing was probably a good idea for Pepperdine.
“If Pepperdine isn’t offering these resources like testing and condoms, it doesn’t mean kids will stop doing what they’re going to do,” Starck said. “Ignorance won’t solve the problem.”
Ehteshami wrote in an email that abstinence is the only surefire way to avoid STIs, but using a condom and limiting the number of sexual partners will reduce the chances that a sexually active person will contract an STI.
“If you look at the national college health data, the testing is a great way to also provide an educational opportunity regarding STI and prevention,” Roldan wrote.
The appointments take 15 minutes, according to Ehteshami. The labs are collected at the Student Health Center and sent to an outside laboratory to run tests for HIV, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, HPV and Chlamydia. Though there is only funding for 50 appointments (which Ehteshami said typically get filled), students can schedule STI screenings at any time during the year with the standard charges.
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