There is evidence that college students, living in close quarters such as residence halls and Greek houses, may have increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease. Meningitis outbreaks tend to peak in late winter and early spring but can occur anytime when school is in session. These factors include lack of sleep, excessive stress and heavy consumption of alcohol. Finally, consider getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease. The vaccine, which is 85 percent effective against meningococcal serotype C, provides protection for approximately three to five years and is appropriate for college or university students under the age of 30 who want to be vaccinated to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease.
Side effects are mild and infrequent.
The only persons who should not receive the vaccine are those suffering from an acute illness, pregnant women and those allergic to thimerosal, a preservative found in many vaccines and in contact lens solution. Because the vaccine is a preventive treatment, most health insurance plans, including the Student Health Insurance Plan, will not pay for it. Meningococcal disease strikes about 2,600 Americans each year, leading to death in approximately 13 percent of cases, with more than 300 deaths annually. Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Individuals who develop meningococcal meningitis are likely to experience initial symptoms that may include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting and lethargy.