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| Vol. 17, No. 21 | Feb. 26, 1998 |
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| Vol. 17, No. 21 | Feb. 26, 1998 |
The University of Delaware Student Health Service will offer students vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, a serious, contagious infection.
"Although immunization against this disease is not usually given to the general public, the incidence of meningitis outbreaks has risen on college campuses in the past five years. The American College Health Association (ACHA) has recommended that college students be alerted about the dangers of meningococcal disease and that there is a safe and effective vaccine that may reduce the risk of the disease," Dr. Joseph Siebold, director of the Student Health Service, said. "ACHA also recommends that universities provide students who wish to be vaccinated with access to the vaccine."
Beginning with a special clinic scheduled from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., today, the Student Health Service will provide the vaccine at cost to UD students, by appointment. After that, vaccinations will be available by appointment from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The cost of the vaccine administration is $55, which can be paid by cash, check or UDFlex or credit cards at the Student Health Service dispensary in Laurel Hall. For more information or to schedule an appointment during the special all-day clinic, call the Student Health Service at 831-4280.
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The disease strikes about 2,600 Americans each year, leading to death in approximately 13 percent of the cases, which translates to more than 300 deaths annually. In 1996, there was one case of meningococcal pneumonia in a UD student, who was treated in a timely manner and recovered.
Outbreaks of meningitis tend to occur in relatively isolated or confined environments. The disease is transmitted through the air via sneezing or coughing and direct contact with persons infected with the disease. Because college students often live in close quarters, such as residence halls or fraternity houses, they have an increased risk of meningococcal disease. Some investigations during these outbreaks suggest that lifestyle behaviors among many college students, such as active and passive smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of contracting the disease. Meningitis outbreaks tend to peak in late winter and early spring but can occur anytime when school is in session. More information on meningococcal disease is available on the Health Service's World Wide Web site: http://www.udel. edu/shs/shs_main.html
Vaccination provides protection against serogroups A, C, Y and W-135, the most common strains of the disease. Serotype C frequently has been involved in college outbreaks over the past several years.
The vaccine has few side effects-such as soreness, swelling in the arm or slight fever on the day of vaccination-and is generally effective from three to five years.
ACHA, a national nonprofit organization serving and representing the interests of professionals and students in health and higher education, does not recommend the vaccine for adults over age 30, as they are rarely afflicted by this infection.
-Beth Thomas