|
 Meningitis
vaccine alert
KU gave meningitis vaccines to nearly 1,000 incoming
students this summer, up from 380 last summer, as part
of a continuing campaign to strongly encourage students
living in group housing to receive the meningitis vaccine.
Such efforts have intensified across many campuses,
including in some states where the vaccine is mandated
for some students.
At KU, the fear of meningitis is acute after senior
Andy Marso was stricken in April. Today, he remains
at the University of Kansas Hospital, where he is undergoing
rehabilitation. Toxins the disease released in his body
destroyed skin tissue and forced doctors to amputate
all his toes and fingers, except his right thumb.
As fall classes began, KU sent an e-mail message to
all students and 8,000 fliers were being distributed
on campus. Student Health Services staff also began
making numerous personal presentations about the vaccine
and meningitis to staff and students in the university's
student housing complexes, fraternities and sororities
and to staff at a private residence hall adjacent to
campus.
Incoming freshmen have already received information
about the vaccine during the admissions process and
summer orientation sessions as well as in every student
housing contract. During this summer's on-campus freshman
orientation sessions, the University offered vaccinations.
The vaccine, which currently costs $73, is now available
at the Watkins Student Health Center.
"Students living in any group housing, from scholarship
halls to a shared apartment, are at an increased risk
of contracting meningitis," said Dr. Mrya Strother,
chief of staff of Student Health Services. "We
want all students and their parents to know about meningitis
and what protection the vaccine can provide so they
can make an informed decision.
"We strongly encourage students in living groups
to receive the vaccine as a wise precaution. The freshman
year is a particularly stressful time, which can impair
the immune system. We are committed to helping keep
our students as healthy as possibly and believe the
vaccine is a very good choice."
Meningitis is a severe infection of the bloodstream
and lining of the brain and spinal cord. It typically
occurs as a single isolated event, but clusters of cases
are possible.
Freshmen in group housing are more likely to contract
the disease than the general student population. A Journal
of American Medical Association study in 2001 found
that freshmen living in residence halls constituted
only 4 percent of the total college population but were
responsible for 31 percent of all meningitis cases in
college students.
Below is the text of the e-mail message sent to all
KU students:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: An important message to all students about
meningitis
The University of Kansas strongly recommends that all
students in any form of group housing receive the meningitis
vaccine. It is also recommended that all other KU students
learn about meningitis and consider vaccination.
-- Meningitis strikes 3,000 Americans a year and kills
300.
-- 100 to 125 of those cases are on college campuses
-- 5 to 15 college students die every year in the U.S.
from meningitis and many more are left with severe disabilities
such as amputation or brain damage.
Freshmen living in residence halls and other group
housing are six times as likely to contract this serious
disease than other college students.
A safe vaccine is available that covers about 70% of
all cases of meningococcal disease in college students.
The vaccine is available at Student Health Services
at Watkins Memorial Health Center. Appointments will
be available starting Aug. 19 and can be made by calling
(785) 864-9507. The current price is $73.
Please read the attached information with warning signs
of the disease and further information about the vaccine.
You can also get information on our website at www.ku.edu/~shs
or by making an appointment to speak with one of our
physicians.
The University of Kansas and your Student Health Services
are committed to keeping you safe and healthy
Dr. Myra Strother, Chief of Staff
|
