Meningitis Vaccination Requirements
Meningococcal disease, commonly referred to as bacterial meningitis or simply as meningitis, is a rare but sometimes deadly bacterial infection. The disease strikes quickly and has devastating complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, kidney damage or limb amputations.
College students living in residence halls have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease due to their communal living. Vaccination offers the best protection against this potentially deadly disease.
黑洞社区 requires all on-campus housing residents to submit proof of vaccination against
meningitis or a meningitis waiver. To meet the vaccination requirement, you must have at least one dose of meningitis ACYW vaccine on or after your 16th birthday or a signed waiver.
- Upload your documentation to the . Instructions on how to Upload Health Documents.
There is a Meningitis waiver option for those with medical, religious or other exemptions pertaining to immunizations.
Meningococcal vaccinations are covered under most health insurance plans and should be provided at little to no expense.
If you have health insurance through United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR), you can receive the vaccine at Student Health Services for no cost.
If you do not have health insurance or have another type of insurance plan, you may still receive the vaccine at Student Health at our low cost.
Many local walk in clinics carry the vaccine and you may be able to use other insurance plans to help cover the cost of the meningitis vaccine.
If you are having trouble finding a place to receive the vaccination, please contact
Student Health Services.
Anyone at any age can get meningococcal disease but some people have a higher risk for the disease.
Due to lifestyle factors, such as crowded living situations, group activities, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing personal items, college students living in residence halls are more likely to acquire meningococcal disease than the general college population.
Symptoms can include a high fever, headache, a very stiff neck, confusion, rash, nausea, sensitivity to light, vomiting and exhaustion. The disease progresses very rapidly and can easily be misdiagnosed as the flu.
A person may become seriously ill very quickly, so contact your health care provider immediately if you have two or more of these symptoms.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent most meningococcal disease.
Other ways to prevent infection include washing your hands often, and avoid sharing silverware, drinking containers, lipstick and smoking materials.