Meningitis Vaccination FAQ
Download the meningitis form HERE.
MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE
What You Need To Know: 
- What is meningococcal disease?
- Who gets meningococcal disease?
- How is the germ meningococcus spread?
- What are the symptoms?
- How soon do the symptoms appear?
- What is the treatment for meningococcal disease?
- Is there a vaccine to prevent meningococcal meningitis?
- How do I get more information about meningococcal disease and vaccination?
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection of the bloodstream or meninges ( a thin lining covering the brain and the spinal cord).
Who gets meningococcal disease?
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but it is more common in infants and children. For some college students, such as freshman living in residence halls, there is an increased risk of meningitis disease. Between 100 and 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses every year in the United States; between 5 and 15 college students die each year as a result of infection. Currently no data are available regarding whether children at overnight camps or residential schools are at the same increased risk or disease. However, these children can be in settings similar to college freshman living in residence halls. Other persons at increased risk include household contacts of a person known to have had this disease, and people traveling to parts of the world where meningitis is prevalent.
How is the germ meningococcus spread?
The meningococcus germ is spread by direct close contact with nose or throat discharges of an infected person. Many people carry this particular germ in their nose and throat without any signs of illness, while others may develop serious systems.
High fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck and a rash are symptoms of meningococcal disease. Among people who develop meningococcal disease, 10-15% die, in spite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, permanent brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure, loss of arms or legs, or chronic nervous system problems can occur.
How soon do the symptoms appear?
The symptoms may appear 2 to 10 days after exposure, but usually within 5 days.
What is the treatment for meningococcal disease?
Antibiotics, such as penicillin G or ceftriaxone, can be used to treat people with meningococcal disease.
Is there a vaccine to prevent meningococcal meningitis?
Yes, a safe and effective vaccine is available. The vaccine is 85% to 100% effective in preventing four kinds of bacteria (serogroups A, C, Y, W-135) that cause about 70% of the disease in the United States. The vaccine is safe, with mild and infrequent side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to 2 days. After vaccination, immunity develops within 7 to 10 days and remains effective for approximately 3 to 5 years. As with any vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100% of all susceptible individuals.
How do I get more information about meningococcal disease and vaccination?
Contact your family physician or your Hofstra University Health and Wellness Center at (516) 463-6745. Additional information is also available on the websites of the New York State Department of Health, www.health.state.ny.us; and the American College Health Association. www.acha.org.
Courtesy of the NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control.
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