MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS

Weatherford College Meningitis Vaccine Policy

New Law – Meningitis Vaccine
Weatherford College, in compliance with the Texas Education Code, Section 51.9192, Subchapter Z, as amended by the 82^nd Texas Legislature, now requires all new students to provide proof of meningitis vaccination. This requirement is in effect for new students who enroll on or after January 1, 2012.

A new student is one who has never previously attended an institution of higher education or a student who has previously attended an institution of higher education and is re-enrolling in the same or another institution after a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.

Meningitis vaccination is not required for a student who is enrolled in only online courses or other distance education courses or who is over 30 years of age.

New students will be required to provide the completed Vaccination Form (and any needed documentation) to the Student Services Office as part of the admissions process at least 10 days prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying. Students declining the vaccination for reasons of conscience, including religious belief, will be required to submit a conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services. This form may be requested at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm.


What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial or viral infection. It can result in permanent brain damage, learning disabilities, loss of limbs, loss of hearing, organ failure, and death. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Meningococcal meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually. It is estimated that 100-125 cases of meningococcal meningitis occur on college campuses and 5-15 students die each year as a result.


What is the Cause of Meningococcal Meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the Bacterium Neisseria Meningitides. This bacterium is the leading cause of meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning) among teenagers and young adults in the United States.


Why are College Students at Risk?
Studies show that individuals between the ages of 15-24 are at a greater risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis. Data suggests that certain social behaviors common among college students such as smoking, partying, excessive alcohol consumption, and irregular sleep patterns may increase a student's risk for contracting the disease. The Centers for Disease Control reports that students living in dormitories have six times the risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis than college students overall. Outbreaks of meningitis have risen sharply in the past 10 years.


How is Meningococcal Meningitis Spread?
Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions or through direct contact with an infected person. Direct contact is defined as oral contact with shared items such as cigarettes or drinking glasses or through intimate contact such as kissing. Many people are carriers of the organism and are immune to infection; however they can spread meningococcal meningitis to others.


What are the Common Symptoms?
Early symptoms resemble the flu and may include:
    High Fever  •  Headache  •  Stiff neck  •  Rash  •  Nausea  •  Vomiting  •  Lethargy

Meningococcal meningitis is often mistaken as something that is less serious. If it is not detected early, often within hours of the first symptom(s), the disease can progress. Students are urged to seek medical care immediately if they experience two or more of the above symptoms concurrently.


When do Outbreaks Occur?
Meningococcal meningitis usually peaks during late winter and early spring.


How can Meningitis be Prevented?
A vaccine is available for the four types of bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis. These four types are serogroups: A, C, Y and W-135 and account for two-thirds of meningococcal meningitis cases among the college population. The development of immunity post vaccination usually requires 7-10 days. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that college students become educated about meningococcal meningitis and the benefits of the vaccination.