A Message from UML Health Services
As you may have seen in recent news, the CDC announced an uptick in cases of meningococcal illnesses in the US this year. This can include meningitis, a potentially disabling or fatal infection affecting the brain and spinal cord. This type of infection is transmitted through the spread of saliva and respiratory secretions among people in close contact, which can include sharing a room or household, and common behaviors of college-aged individuals, like kissing and sharing beverages/food.
These behaviors and the close, congregate living settings on college campuses place college students at a slightly higher risk of meningococcal illness. The good news is that there are vaccines available to help protect individuals from this type of infection. While UML does not require the meningitis vaccine for our students, we STRONGLY recommend that all students, especially those living on campus, receive and be up to date on both of the following immunizations:
- A single dose of the MenACWY vaccination at age 11 or 12, with a booster shot at 16. If the first dose is instead received in early teens, the booster is given later, before age 18. Adolescents who receive their first dose of MenACWY vaccine at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose.
- Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. The preferred age for this immunization is 16 through 18 years so that adolescents have protection during the ages of increased risk.
Please check with your student’s primary care provider to see if they are up to date on their meningococcal immunizations, and to have a discussion with them about the vaccines if you have more questions.
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