Some Facts About Vaccination Against Meningococcus

• Vaccination against meningococcus is for long-term prevention against strains A, C, W-135 and Y. Immunity is established about two weeks after vaccination.

• It is recommended by national public health officials that students strongly consider being immunized with the Menomune vaccine upon entry into college.

• In the case of exposure to someone with meningococcus, for those who have had close contact, involving kissing, sharing of eating utensils, or living in the same room or household, the recommended protection is with antibiotics. This recommendation does not apply to people with casual contact.

• Good health habits, such as careful hand washing, avoidance of sharing eating and drinking utensils, adequate rest and healthy diet are important in maintaining good health, and avoiding infectious disease.

• At MSU, the majority of cases in the past ten years have occurred in students living outside of the residence halls.

• If a student believes they have had close contact with someone who has meningococcus, they can receive care at Olin Health Center. Vaccination and appropriate evaluation and treatment are available at the health center.