Meningococcal Vaccine (Required)

The Meningococcal Vaccine is required for all full-time students entering college in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  This vaccine offers about 90% protection against four of the bacteria which causes Meningococcal Meningitis and blood infections.  This is a very serious disease and 10 - 15% of those infected die despite treatment with antibiotics.  College freshmen who live in dormitories have an increased risk of getting Meningococcal disease.

Two Meningococcal vaccines are available in the US and at Student Health Services.  MCV4 (Menactra) is the preferred vaccine for people 11 - 55 years of age but MPSV4 (Menamune) can be used for equivalent protection.  Student Health Services offers both vaccines (as supply permits) at cost.  If a student chooses not to receive this vaccine, a weaver must be signed after receiving the information on Meningococcal disease at the website http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-mening.pdf.