Parents Letter on Meningitis
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Juniata College requires meningitis vaccination or a signed waiver for all incoming freshmen and transfer students under the age of 25 years. The vaccine, MenactraT, meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine, protects students against many serotypes of the bacteria, which account for at least 70% of vaccine-preventable meningitis cases in college-aged students. MenactraT vaccine is not indicated for immunization against diphtheria.
The vaccine immunity lasts 3 to 5 years and is a one-dose injection. The average cost is $100 per injection. Many insurance companies are now reimbursing for the vaccine. You will need to contact your individual health insurance carrier to determine if this immunization is covered by your policy.
Neisseria meningitides, or meningitis, is a rare, but devastating, disease that is transmitted by droplets of respiratory secretions in the air from direct contact with an infected person/carrier. Direct contact is defined as oral contact with shared items such as cigarettes, drinking glasses, or intimate contact such as kissing. Meningitis is often difficult to diagnose because early symptoms of the disease mimic those of the flu. The seasonality of the disease also parallels that of influenza season. Certain college students, particularly freshmen who live in residence halls, have been found to have an increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. Other undergraduates should also consider vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.
Pennsylvania has legislation (State Bill 955) stating college students living in college housing are required to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease or seek exemption from this law. Your son or daughter must receive the meningitis vaccine prior to arriving on campus for the Fall semester or sign a waiver form declining the immunization.
Incoming freshmen and transfer students who are under the age of 25 and not pregnant, or those with medical conditions that compromise immunity (e.g., HIV, absent spleen, antibody deficiency), should consider getting the meningitis vaccine. The American College Health Association (ACHA) recommends that students get the meningitis vaccine. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), supports the decision of ACHA to educate students on the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.
To learn more about meningitis and the vaccine, speak with your family physician or visit www.menactra.com, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and www.acha.org (American College Health Association) online.
If you choose to have your son/daughter receive the vaccine at Juniata College Health Services, please take advantage of our Pre-Ordering Program during this summer's orientation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Laura Siems
Medical Director Student Health Services
Connie Peters
Campus Nurse