Northern Arizona University

Meningitis Information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) have approved recommendations that urge all first-year students living in residence halls to be immunized against meningococcal disease. The ACIP and ACHA recommendations further state that other college students under 25 years of age who wish to reduce their risk for the disease may choose to be vaccinated.

Meningococcal disease strikes 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 150 to 300 deaths. Adolescents and young adults account for nearly 30 percent of all cases of meningitis in the United States. In addition, approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses each year, and five to 15 students will die as a result.

A reformulated meningococcal vaccine (“conjugate”) is now available that has the potential to provide longer duration of protection against four of the five strains (or types) of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease – types A, C, Y, and W-135.

Due to lifestyle factors, such as, sharing of personal items, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and bar patronage, college students living in residence halls are more likely to acquire meningococcal disease than the general college population.

Meningococcal infection can be contagious and progresses very rapidly. It can easily be misdiagnosed as the flu, and, if not treated early, meningitis can lead to death or permanent disabilities. One in five of those who survive will suffer from long-term side effects, such as brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, or limb amputation.

For more information, please feel free to contact our health service and/or consult with your family physician. You also can find information about the disease and immunization by visiting the ACHA website and the CDC website.