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College students urged to get meningitis vaccinations

Infection Control Monitor, September 3, 2004

Some colleges this fall plan to encourage students who live in group housing to get immunized against bacterial meningitis, the Kansas City Star reports.

The University of Kansas decided to promote the vaccinations after a journalism student contracted the disease in April; the student remains hospitalized in fair condition. The school sent an e-mail last month to all students about the vaccine and began distributing 8,000 fliers on campus. Vaccinations are now available for $73 each at the campus health center by appointment.

The University of Missouri is following suit because a new state law requires all students in campus housing to get the vaccine or sign a statement saying they rejected it. Students are being advised that they will not be able to register for winter semester classes until they get an immunization or sign the rejection statement.

Approximately 3,000 Americans contract bacterial meningitis each year, and 10% to 15% of them die. Up to 20% of those who survive suffer disabilities such as amputations, brain damage, and hearing loss.

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