Sierra College Health Services and Sierra College Residence Halls
Policy
Sierra College has adopted the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) that all incoming freshmen residing in the residence halls provide proof of immunization with Menactra or provide a Meningitis Waiver Form.
Overview of Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can lead to meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcal septicemia, an infection of the blood.
Meningococcal disease, caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in older children and young adults in the United States. It strikes 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 150 to 300 deaths.
Adolescents and young adults account for nearly 30 percent of all cases of meningitis in the United States. In addition, approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses each year, and five to 15 students will die as a result. Evidence shows approximately 70 to 80 percent of cases in the college age group are caused by serogroup C, Y, or W-135, which are potentially vaccine-preventable.
Vaccination Recommendations for College Students
On February 10, 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted to recommend that all incoming college freshmen living in dormitories be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. The ACIP also recommended vaccination for all adolescents at high school entry and during pre-adolescent health care visits (11 to 12 years old).
The American College Health Association (ACHA) issued similar immunization recommendations for all first-year students living in residence halls. The ACIP and ACHA recommendations further state that other college students under 25 years of age may choose to receive meningococcal vaccination to reduce their risk for the disease.
Meningococcal Disease Caused by Five Strains/Serogroups
Five predominant strains or serogroups of N. meningitis account for most cases of meningococcal disease. These are A, B, C, Y, and W-135. The currently available vaccine protects against four of the five strains (A, C, Y, and W-135), and evidence shows approximately 70 to 80 percent of cases in the college age group are caused by serogroup C, Y or W-135, which are potentially vaccine-preventable. No vaccine is available for widespread vaccination against serogroup B.
Transmission and Symptoms of the Disease
Meningococcal disease is contagious and progresses very rapidly. The bacteria are spread person-to-person through the air by respiratory droplets (e.g., coughing, sneezing). The bacteria also can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, such as oral contact with shared items like cigarettes or drinking glasses, and through kissing.
Meningococcal bacteria attach to the mucosal lining of the nose and throat, where they can multiply. When the bacteria penetrate the mucosal lining and enter the bloodstream, they move quickly throughout the body and can cause damage to various organs.
Many people in a population can be a carrier of meningococcal bacteria (up to 11 percent) in the nose and back of the throat, and usually nothing happens to a person other than acquiring natural antibodies.
Symptoms of meningococcal disease often resemble those of the flu or other minor febrile illness, making it sometimes difficult to diagnose, and may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and confusion. Students who notice these symptoms – in themselves, friends, or others – especially if the symptoms are unusually sudden or severe, should contact their college health center or local hospital.
If not treated early, meningitis can lead to death or permanent disabilities. One in five of those who survive will suffer from long-term side effects, such as brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, or limb amputation.
Persons at Risk for the Disease, Including College Students
Meningococcal disease can affect people at any age. Infants are at the highest risk for getting the disease. Disease rates fall through later childhood but begin to rise again in early adolescence, peaking between the ages of 15 and 20 years.
Due to lifestyle factors, such as crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing of personal items, college students living in residence halls are more likely to acquire meningococcal disease than the general college population.
Prior to 1971, military recruits experienced high rates of meningococcal disease, particularly serotype C disease. The United States military now routinely vaccinates new recruits. Since the initiation of routine vaccination of recruits, there has been an 87 percent reduction in sporadic cases and a virtual elimination of outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease in the military.
In addition to increased risk because of crowded living situations, proximity to a person diagnosed with disease (e.g., being a household contact) also increases one’s risk of disease. Other factors also increase risk, such as a compromised immune system (which might be caused by HIV/AIDS or taking certain chemotherapy or immuno-suppressants) or having no spleen. Even something as simple as a respiratory tract infection may increase the risk of getting the disease. Certain genetic risk factors also may increase susceptibility to infection.
Vaccination to Prevent Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal vaccination is recommended for all first-year students living in residence halls to protect against four of the five most common strains (or types) of N. meningitidis (A, C, Y, and W-135). In persons 15 to 24 years of age, 70 to 80 percent of cases are caused by potentially vaccine-preventable strains. All other college students younger than 25 who wish to reduce their risk of infection may choose to be vaccinated.
Because disease rates begin to climb earlier in adolescence and peak between the ages of 15 and 20 years, the vaccine also is recommended for adolescents at high school entry and young adolescents at the pre-adolescent health care visit (11 and 12 year-olds).
For More Information
- For more information on meningococcal disease and the vaccine, please contact Sierra College Health Services at 916/660-7490.
- The websites of the American College Health Association, www.acha.org/meningitis
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_meningitis.htm
Procedure
- All incoming freshmen planning to live in the residence halls will do one of the following prior to moving into the residence halls:
Meningococcal VaccineProof of receipt of the Meningococcal Vaccine (Menactra) or waiver is required of all freshmen Sierra College Students who will be residing in the Residence Halls beginning fall semester 2005. Please complete the following: I have received the meningococcal vaccine (Menactra). Date of vaccination: _______________ Attach proof of vaccination or physician signature. Physician Signature: ______________________ Date: __________________ Physician Name (printed): _____________________ Phone No. _____________ |
Printable version of this form.
Meningitis Vaccine WaiverI understand that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) recommend that all incoming freshmen residing in Residence Halls receive the meningococcal vaccine, Menactra. I have read the risks and benefits of the vaccine and acknowledge the detrimental health effects of the disease. I have read and understand the availability and effectiveness of the vaccine which is available at my local health department. I do not wish to receive the vaccine and I voluntarily agree to release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless Sierra Community College, its officers, employees and agents from any and all costs and liabilities, expenses, claims, demands or causes of action on account of any loss or personal injury that might result from my non-compliance with current recommendations. To be filled out by the student and parent/guardian, if applicable. I have read and signed this document with full knowledge of its significance. I further state that I am at least 18 years of age and competent to sign this waiver. Student Signature: _______________________________ Date: _____________ If the student is under age 18, a parent/guardian also must sign this waiver. Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________ Date: _____________ Name of Parent/Guardian (printed): _______________________________________ |
Printable version of this form.