Is Meningitis Vaccine Required For College?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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CDC recommends a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine for

first-year college students living in residence halls

. If they received it before their 16th birthday, they need a booster shot for maximum protection before going to college.

Which meningitis vaccine Do college students need?


The MenACWY vaccine

is recommended for college freshman living in a dormitory. The vaccine has been recommended for 11-12 year olds since 2005, so it is possible that incoming freshmen have already received a dose. If you received a dose before age 16, you should get a booster before you go to college.

Is the meningitis shot mandatory?

Teens and young adults have higher odds of getting meningitis, so

many schools now require the vaccine at some point in grades 7-12

. Many colleges and the military do, too, since living in close quarters like dorms and barracks can also raise your chance of getting it.

When did meningitis vaccine become mandatory for college?

This requirement went into effect in

the summer of 2000

, and all universities and colleges were required to comply by the fall of that year. The law consists of 6 components (see Table 1). Colleges and universities were not required to provide or pay for meningococcal vaccination for their students.

What states require meningitis vaccine for college students?

  • California. California Polytechnic State University. …
  • Delaware. Delaware State University.
  • Florida. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University.
  • Georgia. Morehouse College.
  • Iowa. Grinnell College. …
  • Idaho. The College of Idaho.
  • Indiana. Ball State University. …
  • Michigan. Aquinas College.

Why do college students get meningitis?

Essentially, meningitis is more common in college students

because of the nature of the setting

. The young adults can’t escape large groups of people with constant close contact and proximity. Meningitis infection requires shared respiratory and throat secretions.

How many meningitis shots are needed for college?

If your child is 15 years of age or older when they receive their first dose, they’ll need

three doses

of the vaccine before starting college, on a schedule of zero, two, and six months, according to Dr. Feemster.

At what age is meningitis vaccine given?

CDC recommends routine meningococcal conjugate vaccination for: All preteens and teens at

11 to 12 years old

with a booster dose at 16 years old. Children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

Can I get meningitis if I had the vaccine?

Because

the vaccines do not protect against all causes

of meningitis, it is still possible that someone could receive the vaccine and still get meningitis from a different strain not protected by the vaccine. But the risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis is significantly lower after the vaccine.

How many meningitis shots are required?

These boosters are recommended five years after the first meningitis

vaccination

and then every five years thereafter if vaccinated after age 7. If vaccinated between ages 2 and 7, the first booster should be given three years after the initial vaccine and then every five years.

Should my teenager get the meningitis B vaccine?

CDC does not routinely recommend a MenB vaccine for all teens and young adults. However, all teens may get vaccinated,

preferably at 16 to 18 years old

. Serogroup B meningococcal disease is relatively rare. Outbreaks have occurred at several U.S. colleges during the past decade.

Is meningococcal B required for college?

San Diego State University (SDSU) announced that incoming freshman students are now required to present proof of meningococcal B (menB) vaccination within the first 10 days of Fall 2019 classes.

How long does Meningitis vaccine last?

Administer boosters

every 5 years

thereafter throughout life as long as the person remains at increased risk for meningococcal disease. The number of doses and schedule for patients under 2 years of age varies by vaccine product.

What percentage of college students get meningitis?

These cases represent approximately

3%

of the total cases of meningococcal disease that occur each year in the United States. Eighty-seven (97%) cases occurred in undergraduate students, and 40 (44%) occurred among the 2.27 million freshman students entering college each year (16).

How common is meningitis in college?

The researchers counted 166 cases of meningococcal disease (all serogroups) in the target population during the 2 years. The average annual incidence was

0.17 cases per 100,000 people

. There were 88 MenB cases, including 60 in college students and 28 in non-students.

Is the meningitis vaccine free?

Meningococcal Quadrivalent Vaccine

This

vaccine is provided free to children in Grade 9

. This vaccine is also provided free to children and adults at high risk of meningococcal disease (such as those with certain medical conditions and those who have been in close contact with a person with meningococcal disease).

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.