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.

Three Meningococcal vaccines are available in the U.S.  Menveo (MCV4) or Menactra (MCV4) are the preferred vaccine for people 11 - 55 years of age but Menamune (MPSV4) can be used for equivalent protection.  Student Health Services offers Menveo at cost.  Two doses of MCV4 are recommended for adolescents 11 through 18 years of age: the first dose at 11 or 12 years of age, with a booster dose at age 16.  If a student chooses not to receive this vaccine or declines the booster at age 16, a waiver must be signed after receiving the information on Meningococcal disease at the website http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-mening.pdf.