How often do outbreaks occur on college campuses?

From 1980 to 1993, there were 21 outbreaks, three of which occurred in colleges. From 1994 to 1996, there were 26 outbreaks, four of which occurred in colleges. Between 1986 and 1993, an outbreak was defined as five cases of the same serotype in 100,000 people with at least three
occurring within three months. From 1994 to present, 10 cases of the same serotype in 100,000 people with at least three occurring within three months constitute an outbreak.

Is one type of serogroup of meningococcal disease more common in college students?
Evidence shows the epidemiology of meningococcal disease is changing, with a majority of cases (65 percent) in the college age group caused by either serotype C, Y, or W-135, which are all vaccine-preventable.

What is ACHA's recommendation on meningococcal disease?
ACHA's Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Task Force adopted the CDC recommendation, which recommends that undergraduate college students, particularly freshmen who live in or plan to live in dormitories or residence halls, consider getting the vaccine to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease.

Does the CDC recommend vaccination for college students?
As of October 20, 1999, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals who provide medical care to college freshmen, particularly those who live in or plan to live in dormitories or residence halls, should provide information about meningococcal disease and the benefits of vaccination to these students and their parents. ACIP further recommends that immunization should be provided or made easily available to those who wish to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease. Other undergraduate students wishing to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease can also choose to be vaccinated.

Additionally, the ACIP recommends that colleges and universities provide information about meningococcal disease and the vaccine to freshman, particularly those who plan to live in dormitories and residence halls, and encourages public health agencies to serve as a resource for information about meningococcal disease and vaccination, including how to obtain the vaccine.

Why should college students consider vaccination with the meningococcal vaccine?
Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrate increasing incidence of outbreaks on college campuses. Data further suggests that sub-populations of college students are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. Pre-exposure vaccination enhances immunity to four strains of meningococcus that cause 65 to 70 percent of invasive disease and therefore reduces a student's risk for disease. Development of immunity post-vaccination requires 7-10 days.

Who should be vaccinated pre-exposure?

Are colleges and universities following ACHA's recommendation?
Since the release of ACHA's recommendation in 1997, more and more colleges and universities have included the ACHA recommendation on their college entrance health forms and/or are conducting awareness campaigns to educate parents and college students about this disease.

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·	Entering college students, particularly those living in dormitories or residence halls, who elect to decrease their risk for meningococcal disease.
·	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.