Meningitis Immunizations
The New Jersey
Law
(P.L.2003, c.284, s.2) went into effect in September, 2004.
When you visit your health care provider to meet the University’s
entrance medical requirements, you can have the vaccine administered at that
time. Incoming students may also
call SHU Health Services to schedule an appointment to receive the immunization.
All incoming residential students will be monitored by Health Services for
compliance. You will not be able to
register for the spring semester if you are non-compliant.
Students under the age of 25 who are not planning to live in residence
may also wish to consider receiving the meningitis immunization to reduce their
risk.
Meningitis
and College Students
Meningococcal
disease is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.
The disease most commonly
is defined as either meningococcal meningitis,
an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or
meningococcemia, a serious infection of the blood.
It is estimated that 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur
annually on college campuses, and 5 to 15 students die as a result.
The disease can result in permanent brain damage, hearing loss, learning
disability, limb amputation, kidney failure or death.
The incidence of this disease has increased since the early 1990’s. Data suggests that certain social behaviors, such as exposure
to passive and active smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, may increase
college students’ risk for contracting the disease. Recent data show that freshmen who live in campus
residence halls are 3-6 times more likely to contract the disease.
For more
information:
American
College Health Association:
www.acha.org/projects_programs/meningitis/index.cfm
Centers
for Disease Control:
www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4907a2.htm
Immunization
The
new Menactra Polysaccaharide Conjugate vaccine is felt to provide protection for
up to 5-7 years against four of
the 5 strains of meningococcal disease, which together account for about 70% of
meningococcal cases on college campuses.
The
Menactra
Conjugate vaccine is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices [ACIP]. Adverse
reactions to the vaccination are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of
redness, tenderness, and swelling at the site of the injection lasting up to two days.
Students are welcome to contact Health Services at 973-761-9175 to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccination.
Sincerely,
Director Health Services