The American College Health Association (ACHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all first-year students living in residence halls get immunized against meningococcal disease, a rare, but potentially fatal, bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. In addition, other college students under the age of 25 years who wish to reduce their risk for the disease may choose to be vaccinated.

A study recently conducted by the Florida Department of Health demonstrated that in the past 10 years, 22 of 23 meningitis cases involved college students who were not living in residence halls. Circumstances which may make a person more likely to contract meningococcal disease include lifestyle factors, such as crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing personal items.

Meningococcal disease strikes 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 150 to 300 deaths. Adolescents and young adults account for nearly 30 percent of all cases of meningitis in the United States. In addition, approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses each year, and five to 15 students will die as a result.

In light of our most recent threat of Meningitis, UCF Health Services continues to make available Meningitis vaccine. Use of this Meningitis vaccine, Menactra, provides sustained protection against most strains of the bacteria. For any students who may be interested, please call 407-823-3850 to make an appointment.

For more information about meningitis and vaccination, visit the websites of the American College Health Association, www.acha.org/meningitis, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_meningitis.htm.