Wardenburg Health Center is offering meningitis vaccinations. (CU Independent/Kelly Kaoudis)
According to an email notice sent out to the CU community this morning, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued recommendations for individuals who should get the meningitis vaccine.
There has been a recent outbreak of meningitis at CSU and in Fort Collins, but there have been no reported cases at CU since March of 2006.
Meningococcal meningitis is a bacteria infection of the brain and spinal cord and, though rare, can be fatal.
For any postsecondary education institution, Colorado law requires that incoming freshmen who are planning to live in an on-campus residence hall fill out a form detailing their immunization records, according to Wardenburg’s vaccination website.
While students are required to be immunized for measles (rubeola), two rubella (German measles) and two mumps (“MMR”) vaccinations, they do not need by vaccinated for meningitis, according to the site.
Should a student not be immunized for meningitis upon entering their freshman year and moving into a residence hall, either they themselves or their parent/guardian if they are under 18, sign a consent form stating that they have read the information regarding meningococcal disease and have elected to not vaccinate the student.
The CDPHE recommends that all students, faculty and community members who are not vaccinated receive the vaccine if they: have a family member or partner working at or attending CSU, have been in close contact with CSU students recently, or are currently residing in a residence hall.
Wardenburg Health Center is taking appointments to administer the vaccine, but the center has a limited quantity. The price is $14.50 for all CU students, faculty and staff, and free for those on the Student Gold Health Insurance Plan.
For more information regarding meningitis and the vaccine, visit Wardenburg’s website.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Isa Jones at Alexandra.i.jones@colorado.edu.
