Certain immunizations are necessary for students to be protected while at college. Students should check their immunization histories and update any needed vaccines. All students should carry their immunization records with them while at college since they may need to show proof of immunization.
Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection.
The disease is expressed as either meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the grain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, the presence of bacteria in the blood. A single dose of the vaccine will reduce the risk of disease caused by 4 out of 5 types of the meningococcal bacterium. A booster dose should be considered in 3 to 5 years, if indications still exist. For more information on meningococcal meningitis and this new recommendation, check out The American College Health Association's web page - click here. Other meningococcal meningitis vaccinations are available through the Pierce County Public Health Department.