Bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis cause meningococcal disease. About 1 in 10 people have these bacteria in the back of their nose and throat with no signs or symptoms of disease; this is called being ‘a carrier’. But sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause certain illnesses, which are known as meningococcal disease.
For information on the causes, symptoms, risk factors, vaccination information and much more, visit the Centers for Disease Control website: http://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/index.html
Connecticut State law requires that any college student living in college-owned housing be vaccinated against meningitis as a condition for living in the college’s residence halls or apartments.
College Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement:
Students enrolling in the school and living in on-campus housing will be required to show proof of having received a dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine within the past 5 years or submit a medical or religious exemption against such vaccination.
Students who need the vaccination should call their private physician or their college’s health center to ask if they provide the vaccination. Some walk-in or urgent care facilities, public health departments, or travel medicine clinics may offer the vaccine. Students can also call the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Immunization Program to get a list of Meningococcal Clinics in Connecticut.
The vaccination, even if given at a “clinic,” is not free. It is a medical service that will be billed to the person or to insurance, Medicaid, etc. just like any other medical service. Some providers are given the vaccine and are therefore only allowed to charge an administration fee.
For more information about meningococcal disease, visit http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4210.pdf. For information on meningococcal vaccine regulations in Connecticut, go to: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Immunizations/Meningococcal-Disease-Information
To Find Providers in Connecticut’s Community Resources Database:
Search by service names:
Community Clinics
Vaccine Information
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PREPARED BY: 211/mm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: May2023