Lincoln (Neb.) Nov. 3, 1999 - The vaccination for meningococcal is available for University of Nebraska- Lincoln students at the University Health Center, just as in the past. Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spine. Fever, intense headache, nausea, possible vomiting, and neck stiffness characterize the illness.
"We want to stress to students that the meningococcal vaccine has been available at the Health Center for years and there is no need to panic about an outbreak," said Dr. Joseph Hermsen, Immunization Officer at the University Health Center.
The University Health Center follows the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control in regard to vaccines administered. According to William L. Atkinson, M.D., MPH, of the CDC, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices does not recommend that college students routinely be given the meningococcal vaccine. At ACIP's Oct. 20, 1999 meeting, it cited that freshman dormitory students were at a slightly higher risk for meningococcal meningitis based on two studies of the CDC in 1998, and that vaccination should be made easily available for those who want to reduce their risk of disease. Travelers to countries recognized as having epidemic meningococcal disease should be vaccinated before leaving the United States. Therefore, the University Health Center has the meningococcal vaccine on-hand for UNL students and employees requesting the vaccine.
The current meningococcal vaccine provides higher than 85 percent protection against disease caused by four types (serogroups) of N. meningitidis, the bacterial cause of meningococcal meningitis. One dose of the vaccine appears to give at least three years immunity, according to the CDC. The vaccine does not protect against viral or other bacterial causes of meningitis.
The Health Center is in contact with the CDC as well as the state of Nebraska and city of Lincoln health departments as needed. If there appears to be an outbreak of meningococcal disease on campus, the Health Center can mobilize quickly, typically within a day of notification, Hermsen said.
For further information, contact the University Health
Center Immunization Clinic at (402) 472-5000 or check the
Center for Disease Control's Web site at www.cdc.gov.
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