Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. This infection occurs sporadically in clusters and is spread by close contact with infected individuals. Freshmen living in residence halls are in a higher risk group (4.6 cases per 100,000 students versus 1.4 cases per 100,000 individuals age 18 to 23). A vaccine that can prevent 68 to 83 percent of cases is available. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The vaccine is available at the University Health Center (UHC) for $105 if you would like to receive it once you arrive on campus. Call (402) 472-5000 to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to afford this vaccine, you can seek help by contacting the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc at 1-877-798-8716 or via e-mail at nnadig@rarediseases.org or orphan@rarediseases.org.