Health Services
Baxter Hall
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-370-6062 voice
503-375-5420 fax
Student Insurance
503-370-6972 voice
After Hours Care
Salem Hospital Urgent Care
Open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1002 Bellevue St. S.E.
Between Winter and 12th, across the street from the Sparks parking lot
(503) 561-5554
Meningococcal Vaccine
The CDC released new recommendations 5-26-05 regarding use of the meningitis vaccine in college students.
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. It is estimated that nationally 100-125 cases of meningococcal disease occur annually in college students. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing, sharing drinking/eating utensils). Fortunately, the bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.
Although anyone can come into contact with the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease, recent data indicates that college freshman living in residence halls have a slightly higher risk of contracting the disease relative to other persons their age. Certain social behaviors, such as exposure to passive or active smoking, bar patronage, and excessive alcohol consumption, may also put students at increased risk.
While the risk of disease remains low, students living in residence halls can reduce their risk. Menactra vaccine does not protect against meningitis caused by serogroup B disease, which accounts for about two-thirds of cases in Oregon. Between 1993 and 2004 there were ten cases of Meningococcal Disease reported in Oregon 4-year colleges. Six cases were serogroup B which is not preventable in the current vaccine. The other four cases could have been prevented.
Who should consider the vaccine?
- First year students living in residence halls.
- Undergraduate students 25 years of age or under who request vaccination in order to decrease their risk for disease and are not pregnant.
- Students with medical conditions that compromise immunity (e.g., HIV, absent spleen, antibody deficiency).
- Students traveling to areas of the world with endemic meningococcal disease.
The vaccine is safe and is administered as a one-time injection. Student Health Services, Baxter Hall, can provide the vaccine to students or the student may go to their own provider. Preventative vaccines are usually not covered by insurance after high school.
More Information
For questions or more information contact:
Margaret Trout, R.N., Director
Bishop Wellness Center
Willamette University
Phone: (503)370-6062