Are Meningitis Vaccines Required For College

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Compliance

Meningitis Vaccination Required for Incoming College Students

There are 3 ways to document compliance with the bacterial meningitis vaccination requirement, by submitting: 1) Official Shot Record, 2) Medical Exemption, or 3) the Conscientious Objection form. LSC has partnered with Med+Proctor to review and approve official bacterial meningitis vaccination shot records and medical exemptions. Official shot records and medical exemptions are submitted from your applicant tile in myLoneStar by clicking on the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination checklist item. This link will connect directly to your Med+Proctor account where you submit your official shot records OR medical exemption. Once reviewed and approved by Med+Procotor, you will see a checkmark next to Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination item on your new student checklist from your applicant tile in myLoneStar. You can also connect to your Med+Proctor account and view your documentation review status from myLoneStar. Note: It may take up to 2-3 business days to be processed.

What Are The Top Vaccines That College Students Need

“Each patient will have a different situation, and their medical records can bring them up to date. Overall, the ones I’d emphasize are meningitis and hepatitis B.”

“Almost every college requires or strongly recommends students be vaccinated for meningitis, especially if they plan to live in the dorms. Close quarters make it easier for bacteria to spread.”

“Hepatitis B is a blood-borne infection, but can also be transmitted through sexual activity. The disease can have long-term liver consequences. The hepatitis B vaccine is a three-dose series, and might be among the safest vaccines ever made.”

“I would also recommend the combined tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine.”

Most Health Insurance Plans Cover The Cost For Menb Vaccination

Most health plans must cover CDC-recommended vaccines with no out-of-pocket costs if an in-network healthcare provider administers the vaccine. Adolescents or their parents should check with their insurance provider for details on whether there is any cost to them for this vaccine.

The Vaccines for Children, or VFC, program provides vaccines for children 18 and younger who are

Not insured
Medicaid-eligible
American Indian or Alaska Native

Parents can find a VFC provider by contacting their local health department. VFC will cover the cost of MenB vaccination for those

16 through 18 years of age
10 through 18 years of age identified as being at increased risk due to a medical condition
10 through 18 years of age identified as being at increased risk due to a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak

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Measles Mumps & Rubella Immunization Requirements

NY State Public Health Law Section 2165 mandates that ALL students born on or after 1/1/57 provide signed documentation of proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella on or after the first birthday. Students will not be permitted to register for classes without proof of Immunization. An immunization hold will be placed on your record, and will NOT be lifted until acceptable proof of immunization is submitted and accepted by the college.

Students born on or after January 1, 1957 who wish to register for more than 5 credits in any single semester are required to have one of the following on file with the College:

Proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps and Rubella diseases before registering*.

An approved medical exemption.

An approved religious exemption.

*Only ONE of the following is required as proof of immunization:

Proof of twodoses of the MMR live vaccine, with the first dose given no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday, and the second at least 28 days after the first dose
Proof of twodoses of the live measles vaccine, with the first dose given no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday and the second at least 28 days after the first dose, AND one dose of the live mumps vaccine received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday, AND one dose of live rubella vaccine received no more than 4 days prior to the first birthday
Serological proof of MMR immunity .

Important Information About Bacterial Meningitis

Health officials identify meningitis strain that killed ...

Rash or purple patches on skin
Vomiting
Lethargy
Seizures

There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
Living in close conditions

Death
Permanent brain damage
Limb damage that requires amputation
Gangrene

Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.
Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
Those living in close quarters
College students 25 years old or younger

Vaccinations are effective against four of the five most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. .

Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.

The cost of the vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.

Vaccination is very safe most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.

Vaccination is available at Student Health Services, A.P. Beutel Health Center, for $135.00.

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Exemptions To The Covid

There are currently two exemptions to the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement a student may submit a request for:

Medical Exemption: Students must have a duly licensed health care provider certify in writing that the COVID-19 Vaccination may be detrimental to the students health. The college shall provide reasonable accommodations to those students whose medical condition contraindicates COVID-19 Vaccination so long as the failure to be vaccinated does not prevent the student from otherwise fulfilling the programmatic or curricular requirements of their academic program.

Religious Exemption: Students who hold genuine and sincere religious beliefs which are contrary to COVID-19 Vaccination may qualify for an exemption. Students requesting a religious exemption must submit a written statement that explains how receiving the COVID-19 Vaccination conflicts with the their sincere religious belief or practice and how not receiving the COVID-19 Vaccination will not otherwise prevent the students completion of their programmatic or curricular requirements of the academic program. General philosophical or moral objections to such vaccine shall not suffice as the basis for a religious exemption. The written statement must be written by the student.

Students who are approved for an exemption to the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement will be required to complete weekly COVID-19 tests. Please visit the COVID-19 Testing page for more information.

People With Certain Medical Conditions Need A Primary Series Of Menb Vaccine And Routine Booster Doses

Vaccinate people who have the following medical conditions with a primary series of MenB vaccine:

Complement component deficiency
Functional or anatomic asplenia

The primary series for Bexsero® requires 2 doses. Administer the second dose at least one month after the first dose. The primary series for Trumenba® for people at increased risk requires 3 doses. Administer the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose. Administer the third dose 6 months after the first dose.

Administer a booster dose of MenB vaccine 1 year after series completion and then every 2 to 3 years thereafter, to people with these medical conditions.

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Meningococcal Meningitis Immunization Requirement

NY State Public Health Law Section 2167 requires that Westchester Community College distributes written information about meningococcal meningitis and meningitis immunization to all students .

The law requires all students regardless of age, registering for more than 5 credits, have one of the following on file with the College:

Proof of immunization for meningococcal meningitis disease

A signed acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and a refusal of the meningitis immunization.

Why Do Colleges Require Meningitis Vaccination

Smith College holding meningitis vaccination clinic for students

College life increases the risk of infection, especially diseases like meningitis. The things that make college unique and fun are also some of the reasons that students are at an increased risk for meningitis.

Close living quarters, communal areas, irregular sleep habits, big social events, and potentially unsanitary living conditions can all contribute to spreading and catching disease. Infections tend to spread fast once one case occurs. College freshmen living in dorms are especially at risk.

One study showed freshman are seven times more likely than other students to contract the disease. Understanding the significant protection vaccinations provide can motivate incoming freshmen to get it done. If an incoming freshman was vaccinated before their 16th birthday, a booster is recommended.

Roommates should be aware of potential infection.

According to Dr. Thomas Clark, a meningitis expert at the CDC, If you live in close quarters, the roommate is at very high risk to get infected.

He adds, We give preventative antibiotics to people who are around an infected patient.

Meningitis vaccines protect against four strains of the bacteria. Three strains are common in North America. The fourth protects travelers venturing out to places where the disease is more common. These vaccines help the body ward off the bacteria or viruses that cause infection.

Receiving vaccinations will allow you to focus on the most important things in college and pursue your next great adventure!

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The Deal With Spring Sports

Youth sports are ramping up in many parts of the country. But without a vaccine for children, we still need to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

Jenny Marder broke it down. Here are a few key points.

Maintain distancing and wear masks when six feet isnt possible. Disinfect equipment and prioritize conditioning and drills over contact activity.
The safety measures that teams are taking vary widely. Assess local transmission rates along with the protocols. While you do, consider the risk to society, including kids with compromised immunity.
Reschedule practices for larger indoor or outdoor spaces.

Most important, the founding director of a girls soccer club said, find a way to safely help them have some joy.

Email your thoughts to .

Was this email forwarded to you? .

Are Students In College At Risk For Meningococcal Disease

In the 1990s, college freshmen living in residence halls were identified as being at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease and outbreaks in young adults were primarily due to serogroup C. However, following many years of routine vaccination of young people with quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine , serogroup B is now the primary cause of meningococcal disease and outbreaks in young adults. Among the approximately 9 million students aged 18-21 years enrolled in college, there are an average of 20 cases and 2-4 outbreaks due to serogroup B reported annually.

Although incidence of serogroup B meningococcal disease in college students is low, college students aged 18-21 years are at increased risk compared to non-college students. The close contact in college residence halls, combined with certain behaviors , may put college students at increased risk.

Is there a vaccine against meningococcal disease?

Yes, there are 2 different meningococcal vaccines.

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Menb Vaccines Require Multiple Doses

Both MenB vaccine products require more than 1 dose for maximum protection. Adolescents must receive the same vaccine product for all doses.

Bexsero:® Administer 2 doses. Administer the second dose at least 1 month after the first dose.
Trumenba:® Administer 2 or 3 doses.
Administer 2 doses to healthy adolescents who are not at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. Administer the second dose 6 months after the first dose.
Administer 3 doses to adolescents who are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. This includes during outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease. Administer the second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose. Administer the third dose 6 months after the first dose.

Which Colleges And Universities Currently Require The Meningitis B Vaccine Where Have There Been Past Cases

MenB is more common among those 16-23 and is 5+ times more likely in college students. Yet few colleges are requiring the Meningitis B vaccine. There are 5,300 colleges and universities, and more than 30,000 high schools in the United States. We only know of 42 schools currently requiring Meningitis B vaccination.

schools requiring MenB vaccination
schools with past MenB case
schools recommending MenB vaccination

Scroll down to see the list of schools. Data is compiled based on publicly available data from campus immunization forms.

SCHOOLS CURRENTLY REQUIRING MENB VACCINATION

California

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Determine If The Law Applies

1. Does the Bacterial Meningitis law apply to me?

YES, if you are	NO, you are exempt if you are:
under 22 years old. AND Enrolling for the first time as a credit student. OR Returning after a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester. OR A Transferring or Transient student to one of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District family from another college or university. A Continuing Education student enrolled in a program of 360 hours or more		22 years of age or older by the first day of the semester. OR A student not taking courses on a campus in the Alamo Colleges District family . OR Enrolled continuously in one of the colleges in the Alamo Colleges District family since fall 2011. OR Taking Continuing Education classes in a program of less than 360 hours.

2. How to comply with the law

Submit proof of having received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within the last 5 years. OR
Opt out of the vaccine by submitting an exemption form based on medical reasons, conscientious objection or taking only online courses.

Meningitis Information For Students

Two exemptions are allowed and must be certified as prescribed by law. They are:

Medical reasons, such as immunosuppression issues, pregnancy or allergic reaction to neomycin or
Religious beliefs.

You must fill out a request for exemption for either reason. If a medical exemption, a note from the physician is required stating the nature of the medical condition that is preventing the immunization and the time after which the student may receive the vaccine, unless it is a permanent condition, such as being allergic to the vaccine.

For a religious exemption, you must fill out a request for exemption and state how the administration of the vaccine interferes with your religious beliefs.

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Are Free Or Low

Yes, if you don’t have insurance or your insurance does not cover the cost of the meningococcal vaccines, you may be able to find free or low-cost meningococcal shots. Note that there may still be an administration fee of up to $21.22 per shot.

If you are 18 years old or younger: Talk to your doctor or clinic to see if they participate in the Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program.
If you are 19 years old or older: Go to Vaccination Clinics Serving Uninsured and Underinsured Adults to search for a clinic near you that offers low-cost vaccines for eligible adults.

What Are The Risks From Meningococcal Vaccines

Smith College holds meningitis vaccination clinic for students

Most people have mild side effects from the vaccine, such as redness or pain where the shot was given. A vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. This risk is extremely small. Getting the meningococcal vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.

You can learn more on the Vaccine Information Statements for meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B.

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Information For College/university Student Health Services

New York State Public Health Law §2167 was signed into law on July 22, 2003 and became effective on August 15, 2003. This law requires institutions, including colleges and universities, to:

Distribute information about meningococcal meningitis and vaccination to all students enrolled for at least six semester hours or the equivalent per semester, or at least four semester hours per quarter.

NYS PHL §2167 affects all students meeting the enrollment criteria, whether they live on or off campus.

Maintain a record of the following for each student:

A response, signed by the student’s parent or guardian , that information about meningococcal disease and vaccine information was received. This must include information on the availability and cost of meningococcal meningitis vaccineand either

A record of meningococcal meningitis immunization within 5 years. or

An acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of meningococcal meningitis immunization signed by the student or student’s parent or guardian.

The New York State Department of Health has sample materials below that can be adapted for your institution’s use, including: letter to parents vaccination response form and a prematriculation immunization record. The sample College Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form, or a NYSDOH approved form , should be used when documenting receipt of meningococcal disease information and immunization status.

New York State Department of HealthBureau of Immunization

How Common Is Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is becoming much less common. Over the past 20 years, the overall incidence of meningococcal disease in the US has declined 10-fold. Twenty years ago in Massachusetts there were 80-100 cases of meningococcal disease per year. In contrast, for the past decade the average is approximately 12 cases per year. Declining rates of meningococcal disease may be due in part to the introduction of meningococcal vaccines as well as other factors such as the decline in cigarette smoking, which may impact susceptibility to this disease.

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The Coronavirus Pandemic: Key Things To Know

The holiday season.With planned end of the year gatherings, the new Covid surge is prompting worries and cancellations. The Times asked experts to share some holiday guidance, as well as some tips on using at-home virus tests . Here is what to do if you test positive for the coronavirus.

Bidens new plan.President Biden announced new steps to confront the surge in Covid cases, including setting up new federal testing sites, readying military medical personnel to help hospitals and buying 500 million rapid tests to distribute free to the public, though experts warned the measures would not stop an Omicron surge.

Around the world.After infections skyrocketed to record levels in South Africa, new cases have started falling, suggesting its Omicron wave may have peaked. In Europe, the Netherlands, Britain and Denmark adopted tough restrictions, while France, Spain and Italy are taking a more measured approach.