Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitis, a common bacterium. Sometimes these bacteria invade the body to infect the lining of the brain (causing meningitis) or the bloodstream (meningococcemia).
This invasive disease is serious and sometimes fatal unless recognized and treated promptly. Brain damage, hearing loss, loss of limbs, or kidney failure can also occur. Meningococcal disease is relatively rare, occurring at a rate of less than one in 100,000 people in the United States.
Vaccines are available to significantly reduce your risk of developing meningococcal disease. You can receive a vaccination against meningococcal disease at UHS (fees may apply) or at your health care provider.
Symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms of meningococcal disease, including a high fever, please seek care immediately at a local emergency room or urgent care. If you have questions about your symptoms, please call UHS at 608-265-5600.
- High fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Photophobia (increased sensitivity to light)
- Altered mental state (confusion)
- Rashes
Risk Factors
Many people carry the meningococcal bacteria in their throat or nose in a harmless state without developing an illness. These bacteria are spread by direct contact with an infected person’s oral or nasal secretions and can be spread by things like sneezing, kissing, or sharing drinks. The infection is not spread through the air, in food or water, or by casual contact in classrooms, restaurants, or other social settings.
Because meningococcal bacteria are spread through direct contact, students living in residence halls or other communal living situations are at higher risk.
Of those who become ill with meningitis, 10–15 percent will die. Of those who survive, 20 percent will experience serious impairment, including brain damage, hearing loss, or loss of limbs.
Vaccination for Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is caused by a few different bacteria that fall into different “serogroups,” which are strains of bacteria. The five types are A, B, C, Y, and W.
Vaccines are available for all strains of bacteria. If you receive vaccination against all serogroups, you reduce your risk of developing meningococcal disease. Learn about the different types of meningococcal vaccines.
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How do I know if I’ve been vaccinated?
Check your vaccination records to see if you have been vaccinated against some or all of these strains, which will be noted in the name of the vaccine. Many children receive a vaccine to prevent strains A, C, W, and Y in childhood (usually receiving the first dose at age 11 or 12 and the second at age 16). Vaccination against strain B is only given after a discussion with your health care provider after age 16.
What to look for:
- MenACWY, Men MCV4, or MenQuad: You are vaccinated against strains A, C, W, and Y. You are not vaccinated against strain B.
- Men B: You are vaccinated against strain B.
- Men ABCWY: You are vaccinated against all strains.
Who should be vaccinated for meningococcal disease?
A meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all adolescents ages 11–16 years of age. It is also recommended for college students living in a residence hall, if they have not been previously immunized. Other college students who want to reduce their risk of meningococcal disease may also get the vaccine.
If you received meningococcal vaccine before age 16, you should get a booster dose before you start college. UHS recommends that all current students age 21 and under get a booster dose of meningococcal vaccine if their first dose was given before age 16. If a vaccine was given at age 16 or later, no booster is required.
I received the MEN ACWY vaccine. Should I also receive the Meningitis B vaccine?
Meningitis B affects about 200 people in the United States each year and is most commonly seen in children under age 1 and in young adults ages 16–23. Many people have not been vaccinated against this strain. Meningitis B is twice as likely in young adults who attend college and live in on-campus housing or a fraternity/sorority house. If you live in a residence hall or a fraternity/sorority house, talk with your provider about whether the MenB vaccine may be right for you.
Information for Students Living in Campus Housing
To comply with Wisconsin law [SS 36.25(46)], students who live in a residence hall must report whether or not they have received vaccinations against meningococcal disease and hepatitis B. You can fulfill this requirement by completing your online Immunization and Health History Form at MyUHS. More information on uploading your vaccination records is available on UHS’s Medical Clearances webpage. If you have questions about these vaccines, please talk to your health care provider.