For more
information, visit:
Know the
facts about
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpdvac/mening/default.htm
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/specgrps/college.htm
meningococcal
www.nmaus.org
disease
•
•
Meningococcal disease is a
serious illness. The disease can
cause bacteremia (blood
infections) and meningitis
(swelling of the covering of the
brain and spinal cord). It can lead
to brain damage, disability, and
rapid death.
•
Common symptoms of meningitis
include stiff neck, headache,
fever, sensitivity to light,
sleepiness, confusion, and
seizures.
•
www.acha.org
Ask your doctor or student
health clinic about which
vaccines you need!
College freshmen who live in
dorms have a slightly higher risk
of getting meningococcal disease.
About 100 cases occur on college
campuses in the U.S. each year,
causing 5–15 deaths. This
disease is most common in infants
and people with certain medical
conditions.
Meningococcal disease can be
treated with antibiotics, but
treatment must start early. Even
with treatment, 10–15 percent of
people who get the disease die
from it. Another 10–20 percent
suffer long-term consequences,
like losing a limb, becoming deaf,
or experiencing seizures and
strokes.
Be sure to keep a record of all
your immunizations.
•
There are two types of
meningococcal vaccines. Both
vaccines protect against four
types of the disease. Ask your
doctor which vaccine you need.
more information
Meningococcal Disease
What is
Meningococcal
Disease?
How does
Meningococcal
Disease Spread?
Meningococcal disease is caused
by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.
The two most common forms of
meningococcal disease are
meningitis and bacteremia.
Meningitis has other causes as
well—the most common being viral
infection.
Meningococcal disease is spread
by coughing, kissing, or sharing
anything by mouth with an infected
person, such as utensils or
toothbrushes. The disease is not
spread by casual contact or by
breathing the air near an infected
person—it requires close contact.
Is Meningococcal How can I Avoid
Disease Common? Getting
No. Meningococcal disease is rare. Meningococcal
There are about 2,000–3,000
Disease?
cases in the U.S. each year. About
40–80 of these cases occur in
Washington State.
Getting the meningococcal vaccine
is the best protection against the
disease. You can also protect
yourself by practicing good health
habits:
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid sharing items such as
eating utensils, bottles, or lip
balm.
Some are—college freshmen living
in dorms have a slightly higher risk Contact your doctor right away if
you are in close contact with
of getting meningococcal disease
someone who is known or
(5.1 cases/100,000 people per
suspected to have meningococcal
year). Reasons for this increase
disease.
are not fully understood, but are
probably related to crowded living
conditions.
Are College
Students at Higher
Risk?
Is Meningococcal
Vaccine
Recommended for
College Students?
Yes. The meningococcal vaccine is
recommended for all persons at
higher risk of getting meningococcal
disease, including:
• Children and adolescents aged
11–18 years.
• College freshmen who live in
dorms.
• People with weakened immune
systems.
• Travelers to countries where
meningococcal disease is
common.
There are two meningococcal
vaccines available (MCV4 and
MPSV4). The meningococcal
conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is
preferred for people aged 2–55
years. Both vaccines protect
against four of the five types of
meningococcal bacteria.
Adapted from the state of California, Health and Human Services
DOH 348-086 1RYHPEHU
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