Meningitis Letter

April 2007

Dear Parent or Guardian and Student:

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all young adolescents receive the meningococcal vaccine (MCV4, Menactra). If not previously vaccinated all college freshmen living in the dormitories should receive the vaccine.

The web site is
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/mening/vac-mening-fs.htm

and states in part:

"College freshmen who live in dormitories are at higher risk for meningococcal disease compared to other people of the same age. Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria that infects the bloodstream and the linings of the brain and spinal cord, causing serious illness. Every year in the United States 1,400 to 2,800 people get meningococcal disease...and 11-19 percent of survivors have permanent disabilities (such as mental retardation, hearing loss, and loss of limbs). The disease often begins with symptoms that can be mistaken for common illnesses, such as the flu. Meningococcal disease is particularly dangerous because it progresses rapidly and can kill within hours. Disease caused by meningococcal bacteria kills about 300 people each year in the United States. The vaccine is highly effective. However, it does not protect people against meningococcal disease caused by "type B" bacteria. This type of bacteria causes one-third of meningococcal cases"

The Indiana University Health Center supports this recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. More information about meningococcal meningitis and the meningococcal vaccine can be found on the Indiana University Health Center web site at http://healthcenter.indiana.edu.

Other important vaccines include hepatitis B, chickenpox (if you have not had chicken pox disease) and influenza. Many students may have already received chickenpox or hepatitis B vaccines in childhood. If not, we strongly recommend them. We also recommend annual flu shots especially for those living in dorms or Greek housing.

Indiana University Bloomington students may obtain any of these vaccinations by calling the Indiana University Health Center at 812-855-7688 to schedule an appointment with the Immunization Clinic. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Indiana University Health Center at 812-855-5002 or your local medical provider.

Diana Ebling, MD	Hugh J. Jessop, HSD
Medical Director	Director

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