Should I get the meningitis vaccine?

Dear Reader 1 and A concerned Parent,

There’s a lot to think about as you approach your first year of college, and it’s great that you’re not letting your health slip through the cracks! Vaccines are a great form of preventative care to keep you healthy in college and beyond. Fortunately, the vaccine that protects against meningitis is one of the most widely accessible. It’s generally effective in providing protection against common causes of meningitis for those who are eligible to receive the vaccine.  

Before getting into the nitty gritty of vaccines, it may be helpful to lay the foundation and review some information about meningitis. Meningitis is the inflammation of the outer lining of the brain and spinal cord, which is anatomically known as meninges. There are various causes of meningitis, including parasitic, fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Vaccines protect against viral meningitis. However, bacterial meningitis tends to be the most dangerous. Risks for contracting meningitis increase with prolonged contact to infected secretions that may be released by coughing, kissing, or sharing saliva. It can also be transmitted when people are in close quarters for lengthy periods of time, such as in residence halls. Sounds exactly like a college dormitory, doesn’t it?  

The good news is that most cases of meningitis—especially those contracted in college living settings—are caused by viral infection. Viral meningitis may present similar symptoms to bacterial meningitis such as fever, headache, stiff neck, or other symptoms like the flu. However, it’s normally less severe, and symptoms may clear up in seven to ten days. If you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of any type of meningitis, it’s recommended to visit a health care provider. They can conduct any necessary testing and rule out potential bacterial infections. Visiting a health care provider can be particularly important given that cases originating from bacteria can be much more severe.  

When eligible, vaccines can often be the most effective line of defense to reduce your risk for contracting the disease. There are a few different types of meningitis vaccines, produced under various names. Some are administered in the first year of life, if an infant shows signs of various health concerns such as immune disorders; other vaccine variations are given later in life. The preferred age for the meningococcal vaccination is age 16 through 18 years. For those vaccinated earlier, most booster shots are given around age 16. If you’re entering college and haven’t received a meningitis vaccine, a health care provider may recommend the serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccine. These are often recommended for young adults aged 16 to 23 years old. There may be different vaccination recommendations for individuals who are immunocompromised. If that applies to you, consider speaking with a health care provider to identify a more appropriate option for your specific needs.  

The meningitis vaccine is one of the most commonly administered vaccines and is also one of those most commonly required by colleges and universities. If your school recommends or requires the vaccine but doesn’t offer it on-site, they might be able to suggest other places to get it. In addition to consulting with someone at your school’s health center or a health care provider directly, you might also find information from local pharmacies or your local health department. Additionally, many health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) may be helpful resources. These organizations often have the most up to date information about vaccine recommendations and the latest in vaccine development.  

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are a number of other preventative measures you may also try to reduce your risk. These include hygiene practices that can help prevent or reduce the spread of many viral infections in shared living situations, such as:

• Washing your hands frequently. 
• Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. 
• Avoiding sharing your personal items such as utensils, toothbrushes, toiletries, and the like. 

It’s great that you’re considering your health and wellbeing ahead of your first year of college, and the first step in doing so is doing your research. If in fact your school does require (or strongly recommend) major vaccines, consider checking out their specific policies to make sure you’ve got everything you need in preparation for your first day.

Here’s to staying happy and healthy!