Penn State University Health Services (UHS) is offering the meningococcal vaccine, Menactra, free of charge to incoming and currently registered Penn State students. College students are strongly encouraged to receive the meningococcal vaccine prior to starting at Penn State; those who live in University-owned housing are required by Pennsylvania law to either be immunized against meningococcal disease or complete a waiver of exemption.
Meningitis, also called spinal meningitis, is an infection of the spinal cord fluid and fluid surrounding the brain. Meningococcal meningitis is a form of bacterial meningitis. It is a serious infection that may develop rapidly and can have severe symptoms, possibly with life-long and life-threatening consequences.
Meningococcal meningitis bacteria are spread by activities such as kissing, sharing eating utensils, drink containers, and toothbrushes and by prolonged, close contact with an infected person. Anyone who has direct contact with a diagnosed person's oral secretions (such as a girlfriend or boyfriend) or lives in the same household is considered to have an increased risk of acquiring the infection.
The vaccine is effective in preventing four types of meningococcal disease, including two of the three most common types in the US. Unfortunately, the vaccine cannot prevent all types of the disease and may not be effective in 100 percent of people who receive it (which is the reason for prophylactic treatment of all close contacts of infected individuals).
Students can receive the meningococcal vaccine at UHS by scheduling an appointment online at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs or by calling 814-863-0774.
For more information about meningitis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at at http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.htm.