Meningitis
Iowa law requires us to inform you about meningococcal disease and the vaccine. Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain that can be caused by bacteria or a virus. Bacterial meningitis is highly contagious and can be fatal or result in serious long-term effects such as blindness, coma, amputations, and permanent brain damage. While not common, the risk for this disease is greatest in people under the age of 20 who are living in close quarters and who may share eating utensils, personal hygiene items, or through close personal contact (e.g., kissing). It is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce risk–not just students in the residence halls. The CDC recommends a Meningitis vaccine booster for students who received their first vaccine before age 16. It is currently recommended for ages 11-12, so if you receive it, you should get a booster as you start college.
A second meningitis vaccine, the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, was approved in June 2015 by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. It is recommended routinely for people 10 or older who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal infections. It may also be given to anyone 16-23 years old to provide short-term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease. This is a 2-dose series, given at least 1 month apart.