Meningococcal Vaccination Recommended for College Students

By Renay Seifried

Kiowa County Nurse

July 2, 2004

The American College Health Association is now recommending that college students consider vaccination against meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a serious illness, caused by a bacterium. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings, this disease can also cause blood infections.

College freshmen, particularly those who live in dormitories, have a slightly increased risk of getting the disease. Meningococcal vaccine can prevent 2 of the 3 types of meningococcal disease. Protection from this vaccine begins in 10-14 days after the immunization and lasts approximately 3 to 5 years. The vaccination is a 1 dose series.

If your child will be going to college this fall and you would like to have him/her vaccinated against the meningococcal disease, it is available through the Kiowa County Nursing Service. Please call and make an appointment (719) 438-5872.