(Revised July 27, 2009)
The Menactra Meningococcal vaccine is available to students at the IUP Health Service on a daily basis throughout the year as a walk-in visit.
There is a $100 charge that will be billed to your student account. No money is needed at the time of the injection. If you have not had the vaccine in the past three years, you could request that it be given again. If you are ill or have a fever, you should not request the vaccine. Find more information about the vaccine.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the space around a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. It is contagious and can be caused by either a virus or bacteria; however, meningococcal meningitis can be spread only through household or close personal contacts. Casual contacts such as those within a shared restroom or classroom are not considered to be household contacts.
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis often resemble the flu and can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and confusion. For more information about meningitis, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.
The College and University Student Vaccination Act of Pennsylvania requires that all students, prior to moving into university-owned and -operated residence halls or apartments, must receive the vaccination for meningococcal meningitis or sign a document stating that the student has chosen to be exempted from receiving the vaccination for religious or other reasons. The vaccination recommended is the A, C, Y, W-135 vaccine, Menomune or Menactra, manufactured and distributed by Aventis Pasteur, Inc.
