NDSU Student Health Service has scheduled a meningitis immunization clinic for Thursday, Sept. 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Prairie Rose Room in the Memorial Union. The meningitis immunization is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by the American College Health Association for all incoming freshmen who will be living in residence halls and fraternity or sorority houses. The vaccination clinic is offered for students who received one dose prior to age 16, and for those who have not been vaccinated against meningococcal disease previously.
Through the North Dakota Department of Health, vaccine for freshmen only will be offered at a reduced rate of $13.90. Because the risk for meningococcal disease among non-freshmen college students is similar to that for the general population of the same age, the Department of Health is not supplying vaccine to non-freshmen college students. The cost for all other students will be $130.
No appointments are necessary, but an NDSU ID is required. Charges will be billed directly to the student’s account. Students unable to attend the clinic may schedule an appointment to receive the meningitis vaccine at the Student Health Service by calling 1-7331 after Sept. 22.
Students under the age of 18 as of Sept. 21, 2010, will need an informed consent form, completed by a parent or legal guardian, before they receive the vaccine. To obtain the form, contact Student Health Service.
Adolescents and young adults account for nearly 30 percent of all cases of meningitis in the United States. Due to lifestyle factors such as crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking and sharing of personal items, college students living in residence halls are more likely to acquire meningococcal disease than the general college population.
Approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses each year, and five to 15 students will die as a result. One in five of those who survive will suffer from long-term side effects, such as brain damage, hearing loss, seizures or limb amputation.