Meningococcal Vaccine
The meningococcal vaccine protects people against most forms of meningococcal disease, a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that can occur at any age. Meningitis is a common form of the disease.
Does UHS recommend that students get the meningococcal vaccine?
Yes. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for all students age 21 and under. Students should receive the meningococcal vaccine before arriving on campus as a freshman. If the first dose was administered before the 16th birthday, a second dose should be administered before enrollment in college. Students who received their first dose of the vaccine at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose. Routine vaccination of healthy persons who are not at increased risk for exposure to meningococcal disease is not recommended after age 21. The vaccine is available from most health care providers. Current students can also get the vaccine at UHS for a fee; call (608) 265-5600 to schedule an appointment.
What are the issues to consider?
A study performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrated that the rate of meningococcal disease in college students was similar to the incidence in the general population. However, freshman students living in campus residence halls had a modestly higher risk of meningococcal disease compared to other college students. It is not known how living in a residence hall increases one’s risk — in the CDC study, no single risk factor emerged as a significant predictor for developing meningococcal disease.
How common is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease and meningitis are rare. The overall incidence in U.S. college students is less than 1 case per 100,000 persons per year. Fewer than 100 college students will develop meningococcal disease each year. Its occurrence is unpredictable.
What are the risks of the vaccine?
Other than side effects that are typical for any immunization (e.g., a sore arm), risks are minimal. This is a very safe vaccine.
What are the benefits and limitations of the vaccine?
The currently available meningococcal vaccine protects against four of the most common strains of bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, Y, W-135). However, about 30% of cases in college students are caused by a strain (serogroup B) that is not included in any vaccine. For strains that are covered, the vaccine is highly effective and protection is anticipated to last at least ten years. This vaccine does not provide any protection against other types of bacterial or viral meningitis. Overall, the vaccine reduces one’s risk of developing meningococcal disease by about 65%.
When should a student get the vaccine?
The best time to get the vaccine is before arriving on campus. It is available from most health care providers. Students can also get the vaccine at UHS for a fee; call (608) 265-5600 to schedule an appointment.
What is required by the university or state law?
Wisconsin law requires that students who reside in a dormitory or residence hall inform the university whether or not they have received the meningococcal vaccine. Students should provide this information on the health history form. Vaccination is not mandatory for any student.
What is UHS doing to address meningococcal disease on campus?
UHS provides information about meningococcal disease and the vaccine to parents at SOAR, and to students via email and this web site. Written materials are also distributed in all residence halls. When a case of meningococcal disease occurs on campus, UHS works with public health officials to identify and treat students who may have been directly exposed. The vaccine is not useful in this situation, as it must be given before exposure occurs. The vaccine is a preventive strategy only.
What else should students know about meningococcal disease?
Even if students receive the vaccine, they should still be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and seek medical care immediately if these develop because the vaccine does not prevent all types of meningococcal disease. These symptoms include a high fever accompanied by a severe headache, stiff neck, and mental confusion or a rash.
Where can students find more information about meningococcal disease?
Read an article on this site about meningococcal disease.
