Meningitis Vaccine
Students are required to receive the meningitis vaccine or sign a waiver prior to moving into on-campus housing.
College students are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. In fact, students living in residence halls are found to have a six-fold increased risk for the disease. The American College Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that college students, particularly students living in residence halls, learn more about meningitis and vaccination. At least 70%of all cases of meningococcal disease in college students are vaccine preventable.
Many states have passed legislation mandating the meningitis vaccine for students living in residence halls. In 2002, the State of Pennsylvania passed Senate Bill 955 stating, "All students residing in a residence hall or housing unit must have the vaccine or sign a declination statement after having received information concerning the benefits of the meningitis vaccine."
What is meningococcal meningitis?
Meningitis is rare. But when it strikes, this potentially fatal bacterial disease can lead to swelling of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death.
Who is at risk of meningococcal meningitis?
Certain college students, particularly students who live in residence halls, have been found to have an increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. Other students should also consider vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.
How is meningococcal meningitis spread?
Meningococcal meningitis is spread through the air via respiratory secretions or close contact with an infected person. This can include coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items like utensils, cigarettes and drinking glasses.
What are the symptoms of meningococcal meningitis?
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis often resemble the flu and can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash nausea, vomiting, lethargy and confusion.
Can meningitis be prevented?
Yes. A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect against four of the five most common strains of the disease. The vaccine provides protection for approximately three to five years. Adverse reactions to the meningitis vaccine are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of redness and pain at the injection site and rarely a fever. As with the vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100 percent of all susceptible individuals. It does not protect against viral meningitis.
- For more information about meningitis and the vaccine, visit these webpages:
