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Meningococcal Meningitis

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Vacination Policy and Procedure

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).

All incoming freshmen residing in the residence halls receive information about Meningococcal Meningitis and sign a form that indicates whether or not they received the vaccine or decline the vaccine which is signed and returned with the Residence Halls License Agreement.

Attention: Freshmen living in Residence Halls

You are required to read the following important information regarding meningococcal disease and vaccine. Please review the information below for further details about meningococcal disease and vaccine. Once you have read this information, you must sign this form and submit with license agreement.

Meningococcal Disease

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitides bacteria. The two most common forms of meningococcal disease are meningitis, an infection of the fluid and covering of the spinal cord and brain; or septicemia, an infection of the bloodstream. Meningitis has other causes as well, the most common being viral infection.

How common is Meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is uncommon. In the U.S., each year there about 2,500 cases (1-2 cases for every 10,000 people), with 300-400 occurring in California. Of 14 million students enrolled in colleges nation-wide, approximately 100 acquire meningococcal disease each year.

How is it diagnosed?

A diagnosis is commonly made by growing the bacteria from the spinal fluid or blood. Identifying the bacteria is important to selection of the best antibiotics.

Is the vaccine recommended for college students?

The Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association both recommend routine vaccination for incoming freshmen residing in residence halls.

Are college students at increased risk?

Overall, undergraduates have lower risk than a non-student population. Except college students who live in residence halls who have a moderately increase risk of the infection. Reasons for this increase are not fully understood, but probably relate to living in close proximity with others.

How can I prevent meningococcal disease?

You can protect yourself by maintaining good health and hygiene. As a general recommendation, you should wash your hands frequently. Avoid sharing materials that make mouth contact, such as eating utensils, bottles, cigarettes, or lip balm. Contact a health care provider immediately if you are in close contact with someone who is known or suspected to have meningococcal infection.

How are meningococcal bacteria spread?

The bacteria are transmitted from person to person in secretions from the nose and throat. They are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air near an infected person. The bacteria can live outside the body for only a few minutes; so if the germs contaminate a desk or book, they soon die and cannot infect anyone.

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