Medical Alert - Meningitis
Originally published October 28, 1999
Dear Students,
By now you are well aware that meningitis is "in the news." I hope that this letter will make some sense of the hype in the newspapers, on television, and on the internet and that it allows you to make an informed decision about this disease.
The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently modified its guidelines for use of the meningitis vaccine. The guidelines were based on two CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) studies done in 1998 which identified a slightly higher risk among freshmen dormitory residents.
The ACIP recommends that students be informed of the disease and its symptoms and that the vaccine be made available to those who wish to reduce the risk of meningococcal (bacterial) disease.
The Disease
Meningitis is an acute bacterial disease, characterized by sudden onset with fever, intense headaches, nausea, lethargy, vomiting, and stiff neck. Early diagnosis is critical. Even with early diagnosis and modern therapy, the fatality rate is between 5% and 15% and survivors risk many severe complications.
How It Is Spread
None of the meningitis bacteria is as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu. It is spread:
- Close contact with a carrier
- Oral contact with shared items such as cigarettes or drinking glasses
- Intimate contact with oral secretions such as kissing
The Vaccine
The meningococcal vaccine is not perfect. It provides limited protection against four strains of the disease and no protection against type B, which is most prevalent in the Northwest. The vaccine takes two weeks to provide immunity which usually lasts about three years. The side effects are minimal.
The vaccine provides 85% to 100% protection against strains A, C, Y, and W-135. In 1998-1999, strains C and Y caused about 70% of the cases among college students nationwide.
In Oregon, the situation is reversed. Two-thirds of all cases of bacterial meningitis are of type B. There were 11 cases of bacterial meningitis in Oregon between 1995 and 1998. Five of these cases were of type B against which the vaccine is not effective.
Who is at risk?
Recent evidence found dormitory students appear to be at higher risk then college students overall. Further research shows freshman living in the dormitories have a six times higher risk then college students overall.
Data also indicates certain behaviors, such as, passive and active smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption may put students at increased risk for the disease. Cases and outbreaks usually occur in the late winter and early spring.
Should You Be Vaccinated?
Ultimately, you must make the decision about the vaccination. I advise you to discuss it with your parents. The American College Health Association recommends that "students consider vaccination to reduce their risk for potentially fatal meningococcal disease." I feel that it is better to take a pro-active role in your health and I recommend the vaccination.
Vaccination Clinic
Student Health Services will offer the vaccination to any student wishing to be vaccinated. The cost is $90.00 (The vaccination is not covered under the college plan. If you have different coverage you may want to check with your insurance company).
More Information
If you or your parents have questions or concerns, you may contact Student Health Services. Also, more information about the meningococcal disease, its symptoms and the vaccine are available on the Web.
Sincerely,
Ann Whiting, N.P.
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