Meningococcal Meningitis Information
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Meningococcal Meningitis Immunization Requirement
Consent Form and Vaccine Information Statement for Meningitis
Background Information for Meningococcal Meningitis
The Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine
Who Should Get the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine?
Who Should Not Get the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine?
Background Information for Meningococcal
Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious infection of the lining surrounding the brain.
Meningococcal meningitis is a specific type of meningitis that strikes
both children and adults. Despite treatment with antibiotics, it still
kills as many as 13% of those infected, and often leaves others with
permanent disability. Meningococcal meningitis is different from the
meningitis in infants for which vaccination is routinely given.
While it is a very serious illness, meningococcal meningitis is luckily quite rare. New Jersey averages around 70 cases per year.
It is an illness that is spread through close contact. This means that those who live in close quarters (eg, dormitories) or congregate in crowded areas (eg, bars) are at highest risk. In particular, the risk is greatest when first exposed to these conditions (eg, first year students).
Center
for Disease Control page on meningococcal disease
American
College Health Association's meningococcal recommendations and information
The Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine
There are currently two licensed vaccines for prevention of meningococcal
meningitis. A polysaccharide vaccine (Menomune) has been in use for a
number of years. It is currently being replaced by a conjugate vaccine (Menactra)
which should have a longer lasting effect.
Both of these vaccines are safe and effective against 4 of the 5 subtypes of Meningococcal Meningitis. Adverse reactions are uncommon but may include redness or soreness at the injection site or fever. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.
Center for Disease Control Vaccine Information Statement
Who Should Get the Meningococcal Meningitis
Vaccine?
Public health officials recommend that all college students take the
meningococcal meningitis immunization. In particular, those who live in
close quarters (dormitories, fraternities, and sororities), who frequent
bars or consume alcohol, who smoke or are regularly around smokers are at
higher risk and should consider vaccination. Students with certain chronic conditions
(eg, have had their spleen
removed) should be vaccinated. Students traveling to high-risk areas of
the world (eg, sub-Sahara Africa) should consider vaccination.
The conjugate vaccine is now also recommended for all children when they reach 11-12 years of age.
Beginning in September 2004, Rutgers University requires that all incoming first year and transfer students receive the vaccine.
American
College Health Association's meningococcal recommendations and information
New
Jersey State Law Regarding vaccination
Who Should Not Get the Meningococcal
Meningitis Vaccine?
This is an extremely safe vaccine with very few side effects. Only those
who are known to be sensitive to any component should definitely not
receive it. In addition, even though it has never been shown to be harmful
to a fetus, women who are, or are planning within the next month to become
pregnant should wait to take the vaccine.
Last Modified 02/06/2007