Meningitis Vaccine

Meningitis vaccine availability—Something you should know about:

The Illinois State University Student Health Services wants students and parents to be aware of the dangers of meningococcal meningitis and know that a vaccine is available. Meningitis is a health concern on college campuses. Meningitis can be caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria.

Viral meningitis, although serious, has no treatment (other than supportive) and no protective vaccine. Fungal meningitis is extremely rare and generally associated with an immune deficit (i.e., HIV/AIDS, lymphomas).

Bacterial meningitis on college campuses is most frequently caused by either neisseria meningitis (commonly known as meningococcal meningitis) or streptococcus pneumonia. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., by coughing, kissing, sharing a glass or eating utensils). Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.

Meningococcal meningitis can cause a very severe illness and rapidly progresses to death. The seriousness of this infection requires prompt recognition of symptoms, rapid diagnosis, and immediate hospitalization for treatment. A prophylactic or preventive medication is given to those who have been identified as close contacts to an active case.

State law requires that freshmen and transfer students receive this notification. In addition, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the CDC recommended that college freshman living in residence halls receive a newly licensed meningococcal vaccine (Menactra). The SHS has this vaccine available for students, subject to availability of the vaccine from the manufacturer. Students who wish to receive this vaccination may request a vaccination appointment by calling the ISU Student Health Services at (309) 438-2778. Students can also be vaccinated by their private physician.

If you have any questions about meningitis, symptoms, prevention, etc., you may call Nurse Consult at (309) 438-7676 or visit the Student Health Services Web site at www.shs.ilstu.edu. For more information go to www.shs.ilstu.edu/meningitis_faq.shtml . If you need an accommodation based on your disability, call (309) 438-2956.

Dwayne Sackman, Director, Student Health Services

Glenn L. Weiss, Medical Director, Student Health Services

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