BACTERIAL MENINGITIS COMPLIANCE FOR
NEW AND RESIDENT STUDENTS

Date: July 28, 2006

To: Students and Parents of the University of New Orleans

Subject: Immunization Requirement for Meningitis

Beginning with the fall 2006 semester, incoming freshmen at the University of New Orleans and residential students must be vaccinated against meningitis or sign a waiver showing they have chosen not to be vaccinated. This requirement is the result of Acts 251 and 711 of the 2006 Regular Session.

Meningococcal disease 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.

A reformulated meningococcal vaccine is now available that has the potential to provide longer duration of protection against four of the five strains (or types) of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease – types A, C, Y, and W-135. However, the supply of the vaccine is limited.

College students living in residence halls are more likely to contract meningococcal disease than the general college population, due to lifestyle factors, such as crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing personal items. 
 

• Know how meningitis is spread
• Know the symptoms (often mistaken for the flu)
• Know when to seek medical help
• Know about the vaccine that helps prevent meningitis

All incoming freshmen and residential students must provide proof of immunization or sign a waiver indicating they refuse the vaccine.

immunization Waiver - ONLINE (You will prompted to login with your UNO username and password for verification.)

Proof of Immunization Waiver -PDF

Proof of Immunization Waiver -Word for PC

Meningitis Fact Sheet

University of New Orleans
Student Health Services
U.C. 244,  504-280-6387

What is meningitis?

It is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Neisseria Meningitidis.  It has two forms: meningococcal meningitis, an inflammation that affects the brain and spinal cord, or as meningococcemia, which is the presence of bacteria in the blood. It may also be viral.

Symptoms of meningitis:

High Fever
Rash
Vomiting
Neck Stiffness
Lethargy
Nausea
Severe headache
Sensitivity to light

Meningitis usually peaks in late winter and early spring, overlapping with the flu season. The infection progresses quickly and students should seek medical care immediately if two or more of these symptoms occur at one time. If untreated, it can lead to shock and death within hours of the first symptoms. Permanent disabilities may include brain damage, seizures, hearing loss, or limb amputation.

How is it transmitted?

The bacterium is transmitted through air droplets (sneezing, coughing) and direct contact with someone already infected. Direct contact also occurs with shared items, such as glasses or cigarettes, or intimate contact such as kissing.

How is it diagnosed?
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately. The diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap, in which a needle is inserted into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible is important for selection of correct antibiotics.

Am I at risk?

Meningitis can strike at any age. It is spread through close proximity and contact, thus concentrations of people are of concern.

-individuals living in residence halls
-U.S. military recruits
-individuals with damaged or removed spleen
-people with routine exposure to the bacterium (such as scientists)
-anyone in close contact with a known case
-anyone with an upper respiratory infection with a compromised immune system
-anyone traveling to endemic areas of the world where it is prevalent

Each year, meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans and claims about 300 lives.
Approximately 125 cases occur on college campuses each year. 5-15 college students die each year as a result. During the 1990’s the frequency of outbreaks rose at U.S. colleges and universities. The cases among teenagers and young adults have more than doubled. A freshman living in the dorms has a six-fold increase of risk.

What about prevention?

A vaccine is available which is 85-100% effective in preventing four kinds of bacteria (serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135) that cause about 70% of disease in the U.S.
It is considered safe, with mild and infrequent side effects such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to 2 days.

After vaccination, immunity develops within 7-10 days and remains effective for 3-5 years. As with any vaccine, vaccination may not protect all susceptible individuals. Healthy lifestyles and hand washing also promote immunity and protection.

While not required by federal or state law, the American College Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that all first year students living in residence halls be vaccinated.

Contact Student Health Services if you wish to be vaccinated. You must stay on-site for 30 minutes post-injection for observation.

For more information

American College Health Association               
www.acha.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention      www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm

Meningitis Information Sheet - PDF