Dear Rider University Student and Parents or Guardians,
As college students and parents of college students, you should be aware that outbreaks of meningitis on college campuses have risen in recent years. While the reasons for the rise are not fully understood, it is thought to be due to risk factors such as living in close proximity, exposure to tobacco smoke (both active and passive), bar patronage, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease with early symptoms that resemble the flu, making diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to severe and permanent disabilities, even death.
Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through air droplets and by direct contact with infected persons. It occurs most often in late winter and early spring. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and/or a rash.
However, there is safe vaccine that can provide protection against four strains of meningococcal disease, which together account for nearly 70% of meningococcal cases on campus. In the past, vaccination usually has been delayed until an outbreak of meningitis occurs. However, because outbreaks are clustered in time, and because onset of symptoms is extremely rapid, it makes sense for students to consider reducing their risk for meningococcal disease with a vaccination before an outbreak occurs.
As of September 2004, the state of New Jersey has passed law A-1546/S-1655 that requires meningococcal vaccination for all new residential students as part of the immunization requirement. Students residing in residence halls can either receive their vaccine from their personal health care provider, or from Student Health Services. All new incoming students, whether residential or commuter and whether or not receiving the vaccine must record their decision regarding the vaccine under the MANDITORY READING RESPONSE portion of the Student Health Record.
The meningitis vaccine has been in use for many years. Adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of redness and swelling at the site of injections lasting up to two days. The vaccine should not be administered to pregnant women or individuals sensitive to thimerosal or any other components of the vaccines. For more information about meningitis and the vaccine, please contact the Student Health Center at 609-896-5060 Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Sincerely,
Lynn Eiding, RN, MSN, APNC
Director, Student Health Services