Immunizations

Meningitis is rare. But when it strikes, this potentially fatal bacterial disease can lead to swelling of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures, limb amputation and even death. The State of California enacted legislation that requires all students who enroll at the California State University for on-campus housing to be provided information related to meningococcal disease and vaccination.

• Meningococcal Notification (PDF)

   
  Completion of this form is required by all students living in the dorms. Failure to complete and submit this form to the Housing & Residential Life Office will result in a hold placed on your registration and places your Housing Status in danger.

• Consent for Medical Treatment of a Minor (PDF)

   You must have your parents or legal guardian sign this form if you are under 18 years of age.

A quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine is available against four of the most common strains of N. meningitides in the United States (A, C, Y, W135). The vaccine can be used in adults and children older than two years of age and is 85 to 100 percent effective in preventing serogroups A and C of meningitis in older children and adults. The vaccine is often used to control serotype C meningococcal disease outbreaks and for pre-exposure among certain high-risk groups (e.g., immunosuppressed, travelers).

As of October 20, 1999, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that undergraduate college students, particularly freshmen who live in or plan to live in dormitories or residence halls, receive information about meningococcal meningitis and the benefits of vaccination. Freshmen and other undergraduates who wish to reduce their risk for disease should be provided access to the vaccine.

As of January 2011, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that persons aged 21 years or younger should have a dose of meningococcal vaccine not more than 5 years before enrollment. If the primary dose was administered before the 16th birthday, a booster dose should be administered before enrolling in college. The booster dose can be administered anytime after the 16th birthday to ensure that the booster is provided. The minimum interval between doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine is 8 weeks.

In addition, The Center for Disease Control has recently updated their General Recommendations on Immunization. This information is available from the Center for Disease Control online.

To learn more about meningitis and the vaccine, visit the Student Health Center, or call for an appointment at (909) 537-5241. You can also visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College Health Association.

Yes. A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect against four of the five most common strains of the disease. The vaccine provides protection for approximately three to five years. As with any vaccine, vaccination against meningitis may not protect 100 percent of all susceptible individuals. Currently, the Student Health Center does offer the meningitis vaccine. Call for an appointment and for current prices.

Certain college students, particularly freshmen who live in dormitories or residence halls, have been found to have an increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. Other undergraduates can also consider vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.

Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis often resemble the flu and can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and confusion.

Meningococcal meningitis is spread through the air via respiratory secretions or close contact with an infected person. This can include coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items like utensils, cigarettes and drinking glasses.