Is the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination (Menactra) recommended and is it available at SHS?
We recommend Meningococcal meningitis immunization for freshmen living in residence halls who do not have medical or personal contraindications to vaccination. In general, the overall campus student population age 18-24 is not at increased risk for this disease compared to same-age non-students. A slight increased risk has been demonstrated for upperclassmen in residence hall and freshmen living outside of the residence halls. However that increase is quite small. For these students, as well as other students on campus, we advise consideration of the risks, benefits and limitations of the vaccine but neither recommend nor discourage immunization. The Meningococcal meningitis vaccine is available at SHS and can be done through Nurse’s Clinic on a walk-in basis. We encourage students to discuss this vaccine with your family primary care provider or with SHS clinical staff to determine if this shot is a priority for you. Meningitis, even for freshmen and students in residence halls, is ex
