Who Should Not Get Vaccinated Or Should Wait
- Anyone who has ever had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of MCV4 or MPSV4 vaccine or diphtheria vaccine
- Anyone who has a severe allergy to any vaccine component
- Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should wait until they recover before receiving the vaccine
- For more information on additional warnings and precautions visit
What Is Bacterial Meningitis
On the Apply Texas application where you completed your application for admission to UH, the State of Texas provides information on bacterial meningitis, a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. Please consult a physician about the need for the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease. More information can also be found at the website for the Center for Disease Control.
Guidance On Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization
To ensure the ongoing safety of vaccines in Canada, reporting of AEFIs by vaccine providers and other clinicians is critical, and in some jurisdictions, reporting is mandatory under the law.
Vaccine providers are asked to report AEFIs, through local public health officials, and to check for specific AEFI reporting requirements in their province or territory. In general, any serious or unexpected adverse event felt to be temporally related to vaccination should be reported.
For additional information about AEFI reporting, please refer to Adverse events following immunization. For general vaccine safety information, refer to Vaccine safety and pharmacovigilance in Part 2.
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How To Prevent Bacterial Meningitis
The best way to prevent bacterial meningitis is to get vaccinated, according to the CDC. Vaccines are available for some of the deadliest types of bacterial meningitis, including pneumococcal, Haemophilus influenzae b , and meningococcal.
“The most important thing you can do is get the vaccines that are available,” explains Wright.
How Long Does The Meningitis Vaccine Last
Available data suggests that protection from meningococcal conjugate decreases in many teens within five years. Getting a booster, as determined by your health care provider, may be critical in maintaining protection when most at risk for meningococcal disease.
Some adolescents and young adults may also receive a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. The preferred age for receipt is 16 through 18 years so adolescents have protection during the ages of increased risk.2
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You Are Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
- Pregnant women who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get MenACWY vaccines.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease may get MenB vaccines. However, they should talk with a doctor to decide if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks.
You Are Exempt From The Vaccination Requirement If Any Of The Following Apply:
- You are 22 years of age or older as of the first day of the semester
- You are enrolled only in online or other distance education courses
- You are enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours
- You are enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a facility not located on the TAMIU campus
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What Are The Possible Side Effects Of The Vaccine
The vaccine is considered relatively free of side effects and is generally effective for three-five years. Minor reactions may include redness and swelling at the injection site that may last one to two days. About 2 percent of recipients may develop fever after vaccination. If you develop a high or persistent fever, consult a physician. Extremely rare allergic reactions have occurred, including those resulting in hives, asthma, and even anaphylaxis. As with any vaccine, vaccination with meningitis vaccine does not protect 100 percent of all susceptible individuals.
Secondary Prevention Of Complications
6.2.1. Antibiotic Therapy
It is important to have a high clinical suspicion of bacterial meningitis and start appropriate treatment without delay . The empiric antibiotic choice should be based on the most likely causative agent for patients age . In children, third-generation cephalosporins, such as cefotaxime or ceftriaxone, are the usual empirical choice to cover the most common organismsS. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis. Ampicillin should be added to cover L. monocytogenes in very young children some guidelines recommended for younger than 3 months, others recommended this for those younger than 1 month .
6.2.2. Corticosteroids
Neuronal damage due to acute bacterial meningitis is not only due to bacterial invasion to the subarachnoid space, but also due to the hosts inflammatory response to this invasion . The only widely researched agent that can limit subarachnoid inflammation is dexamethasone. The recommendation for the use of dexamethasone in bacterial meningitis unfortunately cannot be generalized and depends on the causative organism and the ability to administer dexamethasone within 112 h of administration of antibiotics .
On the other hand, the use of dexamethasone in infants and children with pneumococcal meningitis is controversial as it has not been clearly proven to change the outcome . Additionally, the use of dexamethasone for meningococcal meningitis was not proven to be effective in reduce neurological sequelae .
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When To Get Vaccinations Against Viral Causes Of Meningitis
Unfortunately, there isnt a vaccine for the most common cause of viral meningitis called non-polio enteroviruses. In rare cases, other kinds of viral infections can lead to meningitis. These viral infections have vaccines that are available in the U.S. They include:
The vaccinations for these infections all have their own schedule for when you should get them the most frequent being your yearly flu shot. Measles and mumps vaccinations are first completed around the age of six then need to be updated in adolescence and adulthood. Talk to your doctor to make sure that youre up-to-date with your vaccinations.
Is There A Meningococcal Vaccine
The vaccine called “Menveo” is available against four of the most common strains of N. meningitidis in the United States and can be used in adults and children greater than two years old. The vaccine is between 85 to 100 percent effective in preventing meningococcal disease. A single-dose vaccination produces protective antibody levels in 10 to 14 days. The vaccine does not currently provide any protection against the B strain or serotype.
Based on the possibility of increased risk of this disease among segments of the college population, the American College Health Association recommends that students consider vaccination to reduce their risk for potentially fatal meningococcal disease. Recently, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided to support ACHA’s decision to educate students and parents about meningococcal disease and the availability of a safe and effective vaccine to help prevent it. ACHA and the CDC are collaborating on surveillance studies to further assess the risk of meningococcal disease in the college population. Their current recommendation reads:
“Vaccination should be provided or made easily available to those freshmen who wish to reduce their risk of disease. Other undergraduate students wishing to reduce their risk of meningococcal disease can also choose to be vaccinated.”
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Persons With Inadequate Immunization Records
Children and adults lacking adequate documentation of immunization should be considered unimmunized and started on an immunization schedule appropriate for their age and risk factors. Conjugate meningococcal vaccine, as appropriate for age, may be given regardless of possible previous receipt of the vaccine, as adverse events associated with repeated immunization have not been demonstrated. Refer to Immunization of persons with inadequate immunization records in Part 3 for additional general information.
How Much Time Do I Have To Comply With The Vaccination Requirements
- Newly admitted students should obtain the required vaccination or booster and documentation upon submitting your application.*
- Returning students should obtain the required vaccination or booster and submit documentation before they will be able to register for the semester.
*Proof of vaccination is not required to be considered for admission.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease usually peaks in late winter and early spring. The disease can easily be misdiagnosed as something less serious, because symptoms are similar to the flu. The most common symptoms include high fever, headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and/or rashes. Anyone with similar symptoms should contact a physician immediately. If not treated the disease can progress rapidly and can lead to shock and death, often within hours of the onset of symptoms.
What Is Considered An Acceptable Meningitis Vaccine
The Meningitis vaccination recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers protection for Meningitis groups A, C, Y and W-135. The MCV4 and MPSV4 are the only vaccines currently accepted. Please visit the CDC website for additional information. The American College Health Association Immunization Guidelines agrees with the CDC recommendation.
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Who Needs A Meningococcal Vaccine
The CDC recommends a meningococcal vaccine for:
- All children ages 11-18 or certain younger high-risk children
- Anyone who has been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
- Anyone traveling to or living where meningitis is common, such as in sub-Saharan Africa
- Military recruits
- People with certain immune system disorders or a damaged or missing spleen
Which Meningococcal Vaccines Are Available
In the U.S., three meningococcal vaccines are available:
- Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine , sold as Menomune
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine , sold as Menactra, MenHibrix, and Menveo.
- Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, sold asTrumenba and Bexsero.
MPSV4 and MCV4 can prevent four types of meningococcal disease, which make up about 70% of the cases in the U.S.
The MenB vaccines prevent the Meningococcal B strain.
MCV4 is preferred for people age 55 and younger. The recommendation for teens is one dose at age 11 and one dose at age 16. The doctor or nurse injects one dose into the muscle. If MCV4 is not available, you can use MPSV4. The doctor or nurse injects one dose beneath the skin.
MPSV4 is the only meningococcal vaccine approved for use in people over 55.
The MenB vaccines are recommended for ages 10-24, by the CDC for high risk patients, but can also be used in older adults. Trumenba is administered in three doses while Bexsero requires two doses.
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Persons With Chronic Diseases
Asplenia
Two doses of Men-C-ACYW vaccine are recommended for persons with anatomic or functional asplenia, including sickle cell disease. When elective splenectomy is planned, all recommended vaccines should ideally be completed at least 2 weeks before surgery if only one dose can be given before surgery, the second dose should be given 8 weeks after the first dose, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks. In the case of an emergency splenectomy, two doses of vaccine should ideally be given beginning 2 weeks after surgery but can be given earlier, before discharge, if the person might not return for vaccination after discharge. Persons one year of age and older with asplenia who have not received Men-C-ACYW vaccine should receive two doses administered 8 weeks apart, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks. In addition, 4CMenB or MenB-fHBP vaccine should be offered. Periodic booster doses with Men-C-ACYW vaccine are also recommended.
Refer to Table 1 for vaccination recommendations of high risk individuals due to underlying conditions. Refer to Booster doses and re-immunization for additional information and Immunization of Persons with Chronic Diseases in Part 3 for additional general information.
Do I Have To Get The Meningitis Vaccination
- Entering students 22 years of age or older by the first day of class for the semester are exempt.
- Students taking online classes only should submit an Online Enrollment Only Exemption Request form
- If your physician recommends that for health reasons the student not receive the immunization, the student should submit a Vaccine Requirement Form and submit a note from the physician. The signed note should be on either office letterhead or on prescription paper.
- If for reasons of conscience, including religious belief you are declining the vaccination, students should submit a completed Vaccine Requirement Form and an Affidavit from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Initiate your request to TDSHS well before your intended orientation date. It may take several weeks to receive your form during peak times.
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What Is Acceptable Evidence Of Vaccination
Documentation must be in English, state the name and other information sufficient to identify the individual who received the required vaccination, state the month, date and year the vaccine was administered.
Where Do I Send The Required Documentation
For faster processing, write your myUH ID number on the top right corner of each document submitted.
in your myUH self-service account.
*Note: Conscience Objector Affidavits from the Texas Department of State Health Services are NOT accepted through your myUH self-service account or by email or fax. These affidavits must be original documents submitted in person or by mail.
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How Can One Reduce The Risk Of Contracting Meningococcal Disease
Maximize your body’s own immune system response. A lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, adequate sleep, appropriate exercise, and the avoidance of excessive stress is very important. Avoiding upper respiratory tract infections and inhalation of cigarette smoke may help to protect from invasive disease. Everyone should be sensitive to public health measures that decrease exposure to oral secretions, such as covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing hands after contact with oral secretions.
When To Get Vaccinated
The key to the meningitis vaccines is to make sure that your teen gets them at the right time. Your child may get the MCV4 vaccine if they are:
- Between 11 and 15 years old. After the initial MCV4 vaccine, your teen will get a booster shot after five years.
- After the age of 16. In this case, your teen wont need the booster shot. Important to note: Its better to get the vaccines earlier rather than later. This will help prevent meningitis during your teens high school years.
- First-year college students. This applies to those who havent received a diagnosis or missed their booster shots.
- Those deemed by a pediatrician to need extra protection. This is due to underlying illnesses. Examples include immune system disorders or a damaged spleen.
Technically, the MenB vaccine is approved for children over the age of 10. Your doctor might recommend a dose at a younger age if your child has immune system deficiencies. But MenB is usually taken around the age of 16. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends MenB shots for teens ages 16 to 18. However, it may be given to young adults up to 23 years old.
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What Are The Acceptable Forms Of Evidence
- A containing the required information with the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel*. The form must be completed fully, including the month, day, and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered.
- An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority. Documentation must be in English and submitted with the .
- An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state
All documentation must include the month, date, and year that the vaccine or booster dose was administered.
*Please read the compliance form instructions carefully. All students must choose either option 1 or 2 and fully complete the document. The must have the health professional’s signature and credentials and be submitted with attachments to UH.
Where Do I Submit My Meningitis Record
In Person: Stop by the Admissions Office at any Dallas College location to drop off proof of meningitis immunization. The office is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., and Fridays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Online: You can also submit proof of vaccination through the Med+Proctor portal. Its easy!
- Register: Go to medproctor.com and click register to create a new account. Enter your email address and follow the directions to get started.
- Fill out any required personal, medical or insurance information. Download the required forms and follow the directions provided.
- Upload: Log back in to your Med+Proctor account and upload a copy of your forms. Make sure your forms are complete and legible. You will receive an email confirmation once the forms have been reviewed.
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What Are The Side Effects Of A Meningitis Vaccine
Certain meningitis vaccines can cause mild side effects, including soreness at the site of the shot, tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, fever, nausea or diarrhea.
Any vaccine carries a very small risk of severe allergic reaction. Go to the ER if you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling in the face.
If you or your child needs a meningitis vaccine or would like more information, contact a CareNow® urgent care clinic. You can minimize your wait time with our Web Check-In®.
Our CareNow® urgent care clinics are open seven days a week and welcome walk-in patients. Or, try our Web Check-In® feature to avoid wait times from the comfort of your home.