(Revised August 2016)
The Menveo Meningococcal vaccine is available to students at the IUP Health Service on a daily basis throughout the year by appointment.
The injection is free through a sponsorship by the Donnie McGinnis '92 Memorial Fund.
Meningococal vaccination is recommended for all preteens and teens. All 11- to 12-year-olds should be vaccinated with a single dose of a quadrivalent (protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y) meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Since protection decreases over time, a booster dose is recommended at age 16 so teens continue to have protection during the ages when they are at highest risk of meningococcal disease. Find more information about the vaccine.
According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), teens and young adults (age 16 through 23) may also be vaccinated with a Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (two or three doses depending on brand), preferably at 16 through 18 years old. Talk with your clinician about meningococcal vaccination to help protect your health. Find more information about Serogroup B here.
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 CDC Website on Meningococcal Vaccines.
The College and University Student Vaccination Act of Pennsylvania requires all students living on campus sign an online document with their housing contract before moving into campus rooms/apartments stating that they are in compliance with the law. For more information, contact the Office of Housing, Residential Living, and Dining, at 724-357-2696 or visit the Housing, Residential Living, and Dining website.