Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: December 2, 1999
CONTACT: Susan Shepardson 222-4603

Rhode Island Department of Health Recommends
Meningitis Vaccine for College Freshmen Living in Dormitories

The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends that college freshmen living in dormitories be vaccinated against meningitis if they have not already been vaccinated. The recommendation is based on results from two recent studies of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that show that college freshmen living in dormitories have a slightly increased risk of contracting meningitis. The increased risk is due to the fact that the first year of college is often the first time these students live in close quarters with large groups of people.While the studies indicate that freshmen are most at risk, all college students under age 22 and high school seniors planning to attend college should consider receiving the vaccine if they have not already done so. Parents of these students should seek information from their health care providers or college health advisors about meningitis and the vaccine.However, the Department of Health recommends that anyone who already received a meningitis vaccine not be re-vaccinated at this time. In 1998, Rhode Island vaccinated more than 200,000 Rhode Islanders in response to a cluster of meningitis cases. Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health states, "Individuals receiving a second vaccination against meningitis may turn out to be more susceptible to the disease. Unlike most other vaccines, a second dose of meningococcal vaccine appears to reduce immunity."The Department of Health continues to make meningitis vaccine available at no cost for all children ages 2 through 18 who have not yet received one. If your child will be going to college next year and has still not received a meningitis vaccination, he or she can benefit from this initiative. The State, however, is not paying for re-vaccination because of the negative impact it may have on immunity.

The primary goal of the State’s immunization program is to make sure that all children are age-appropriately immunized. In addition to focusing on meningitis prevention, Departmental staff continue to work closely with schools, colleges and universities, parents and health care providers to ensure that students remain up-to-date on the full range of required immunizations. This effort includes a special pilot project for students nearing graduation, using the theme "Vaccinate Before You Graduate".

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My high school senior was vaccinated against meningitis three years ago. Does he need another shot?

No. Receiving a second meningitis vaccine may actually reduce immunity to the disease in an individual who has already been vaccinated. The Department of Health recommends against revaccination.

2. I read the story in the newspaper about the Rhode Island child who recently had meningitis. The story said he had been vaccinated against the disease. Why did he get meningitis?

The meningitis vaccine is a good one, but it won’t protect everyone in every situation. Evidence indicates that roughly 85% of individuals who receive the vaccine develop immunity against the disease.

3. I recently moved to Rhode Island and my sixteen year old child has not been vaccinated against meningitis. Where can I go for the free vaccine?

All children ages two through eighteen can receive free meningitis vaccine from their health care provider. While the vaccine itself is free, you may be charged a fee to cover the cost of administering the shot.

4. My son’s college recommended that he receive a meningitis vaccination. Why is that so?

Students living in dormitories are more susceptible to a broad range of infectious diseases, including meningitis, due to close living quarters. The Rhode Island Department of Health suggests that you discuss your options with the school health advisor or your son’s health care provider.