Campus Health Service

Meningitis Information

TO: Students and Parents of Students

FROM: Allan L Markus MD MS MBA FACP
   Director-ASU Campus Health Service

ASU Campus Health Service

DATE: March 2008

SUBJECT: Information Regarding Meningococcal Vaccination

We have had many inquires from students and parents of students regarding the availability of Meningococcal vaccine at ASU Campus Health Service. A new meningitis vaccine (meningococcal conjugate vaccine - MCV4 - Menactra) was licensed for use in the U.S. in January 2005. It is thought to have a longer duration of protection than the earlier vaccine and eliminates the people who may carry the bacteria without getting sick. This vaccine is available and can be given here at a cost of $98 by appointment and without a prescription.

Meningococcal meningitis is quite rare but is difficult to diagnose in early stages because of its non-specific early symptoms of headache and fever. The disease can be rapidly devastating (can be 4-8 hours after diagnosis) and can lead to brain damage (11-14%) and death (10-14%). We last had a case at ASU in 1996; NAU recently reported a case this spring. We believe that the decision to be immunized against this disease is an individual one but we are looking at other state models as well. 21 other states have mandated either vaccination or waiver and another 13 have students and/or parents sign an information sheet and have the ability to obtain the vaccination.

We strongly urge students to get this vaccination especially if they live in on-campus residence housing. Students living in residence halls are 5X more likely to contract the illness than for 18-23 year olds not in college. In addition, students who are not vaccinated are 500-600X more likely to get this disease if there is a case in the residence hall with close contact. The Centers for Disease Control's group on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended vaccination for all freshmen living in residence halls (dormitories). This would include fraternity and sorority housing.

The appointment line number is 480-965.3349.

You may also visit the Center for Disease Control’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/menus/vaccines.htm#mening for more information on Meningococcal disease.