Certain college students are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. In fact, freshmen living in dorms are found to have a six-fold increased risk for the disease.
New York State Public Health Law requires that students enrolled for at least six semester hours or the equivalent per semester, or at least four semester hours per quarter, must complete the Meningitis Response Form. You are not required to receive the meningococcal vaccine; but you are required to fill out the response form.
It is recommended that college students, particularly those living in dorms, learn more about meningitis and vaccination.
:: 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.
For more information, please refer to this Meningitis Fact Sheet [PDF 12KB].
Students may consider vaccination to reduce risk. Contact your primary doctor or your local Department of Health to obtain this immunization.
For further information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College Health Association.
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