There is a vaccine which is effective in preventing this infection. It is available at the Student Health Center for those who desire to receive it. Because of this, the opportunity for infection to be transmitted from one student to another is great. There is an additional risk because of the worldwide nature of our student body. The concern of the Student Health Center is that our students are protected and outbreaks of communicable infections are prevented.
Immunizations are the most effective and inexpensive method available to prevent certain illnesses.
Additionally, they suggest the following immunizations because of the close proximity of students in their living quarters. Meningococcal meningitis occurs 3 to 6 times more frequently in students living in dormitories. Complications of the meningitis include learning disorders, brain damage, hearing loss, and seizures. Meningococcal infections are easily spread in close contact groups. In fact, the risk of transmitting the infection from an infected individual to a non-infected individual within the same group is 500 times that of the general population.