Vaccination must be done prior to enrollment at Virginia Tech . The legislation does allow any student or, if the student is under age 18, the student s parent or legal representative to sign a written waiver stating that he or she has received and reviewed information on meningococcal disease and the availability and effectiveness of the meningococcal vaccine and has chosen not to be vaccinated. After reviewing the information below on meningococcal disease you must complete the Meningococcal Vaccine Waiver Form and mail the signed form to the Schiffert Health Center. Incoming undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students who have not completed the waiver form cannot enroll at Virginia Tech. You may download and print a copy of the Meningococcal Vaccine Waiver Form at the end of this page .
Meningococcal disease is a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis.
Meningococcal disease is rare, however its initial flu-like symptoms make diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, the disease can lead to brain damage, vital organ failure, permanent disability and even death. Cases of meningococcal disease among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years of age have more than doubled since 1991. Recent studies indicate that college students living in dormitories and particularly freshmen dormitory residents are at increased risk of infection. An estimated 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses each year.