New American College Health Association Recommendation on Vaccination of College Students Against Meningococcal Disease

New ACIP Decision is Consistent with ACHA's Recommendation to Educate Parents and Students About the Disease and Provide Access to Safe, Effective Vaccine

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American College Health Association

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This decision is consistent with ACHA's earlier recommendation that students consider vaccination to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease, and that college health care providers take a proactive role in providing information about the disease and access to the vaccine.

ACIP's new decision recommends that colleges and 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.

The new ACIP recommendation further states that colleges and universities should also provide information about meningococcal disease and the vaccine to freshmen, particularly those who plan to live in dormitories or residence halls. The recommendation further encourages public health agencies to serve as a resource for information about meningococcal disease and vaccination, including how to obtain the vaccine.

"The American College Health Association believes the new ACIP recommendation is a significant step toward decreasing individual risk for meningococcal disease by letting students know about the availability of a safe and effective vaccine," said James Turner, MD, chair of ACHA's Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Task Force and director of student health services at the University of Virginia.

Meningococcal disease, an extremely devastating disease with potentially fatal consequences, has occurred with increasing frequency in recent years among teenagers and young adults. Recent evidence demonstrates that certain college students are at increased risk for the disease. An estimated 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur annually among college students and 5 to 15 students die as a result.

The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year. Death occurs in approximately 10% of cases- about 300 Americans annually. The majority of cases in the college age group are preventable with the meningococcal disease vaccine currently available in the U.S.

Meningococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, can result in hearing loss, kidney failure, amputation of the limbs and permanent brain injury. In the event of meningococcal disease, antibiotics can be effective, but treatment must begin immediately. The disease progresses rapidly, often in as little as 12 hours. Outbreaks usually occur in late winter or early spring -- when college classes are in session.

ACHA, founded in 1920, is a national nonprofit organization that serves and represents the interests of professionals and students in health and higher education. Its mission is to be the principal advocacy and leadership organization for college and university health. The association provides advocacy, education, and services for its members to enhance their ability to improve the health of all students and the campus community.

CONTACT: Taryn Green, 212-886-2200, for the American College Health Association

Date: Oct. 21, 1999