College Freshmen

College freshmen, especially those who live in dormitories, are at a slightly increased risk for bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria (meningococcal disease) compared with other persons of the same age. As of 2009, a total of 34 states have adopted legislation requiring colleges to provide information on risks of meningococcal disease to incoming students and/or students residing on campus, and 15 states have mandated vaccination for certain students, unless a vaccination waiver is provided.

There are currently two vaccines licensed in the United States to protect against meningococcal meningitis. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued the following recommendations regarding the use of vaccines for college students.

Providers of medical care to incoming and current college freshmen who plan to or already live in dormitories and residence halls should inform these students and their parents about meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination. ACIP does not recommend that the level of increased risk among freshmen warrants any specific changes in living situations for freshmen.
College freshmen who want to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease should either be administered vaccine (by a doctor's office or student health service) or directed to a site where vaccine is available.
The risk for meningococcal disease among non-freshmen college students is similar to that for the general population. However, the vaccine is safe and effective and therefore can be provided to non-freshmen students who want to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease.
Colleges should inform incoming and/or current freshmen who plan to live or already live in dormitories or residence halls about meningococcal disease and the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.

Public health agencies should provide colleges and health-care providers with information about meningococcal disease and the vaccine as well as information regarding how to obtain the vaccine.

Menigococcal Vaccination
Meningococcal Prevention Mandates for Colleges and UniversitiesIf you are heading off to college, read about the meningococcal mandates for the state in which your college or university resides.

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