The American College Health Association recommends that all university students, particularly college freshmen living in dormitories/residence halls, receive meningococcal vaccine information as part of their pre-matriculation preventive health program. In some states, the vaccination is mandated before enrollment in any higher education institution. The State of Hawaii does not have such a mandate, nor does University of Hawaii require the vaccination. However, vaccination is highly recommended for those students who plan to live in the residence halls.

Meningitis is a disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitis. It is a serious illness involving the brain and spinal cord, and may lead to permanent disabilities and death. Meningitis is rare (less than 1 in 100,000 per year in the US). However, the incidence is higher in certain populations, including university students between the ages of 15 and 24. Over the past ten years, there have been several outbreaks on campuses across the United States, including a number of deaths.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new meningitis vaccine, Menactra, by Sanofi Pasteur. Menactra offers protection up to 8 years, compared to 3-5 years for the current vaccine, Menomune.

Both Menomune and Menactra vaccines protect against four types of bacteria that cause meningitis – types A, C, Y, and W-135. These types account for nearly two thirds of meningitis cases among college students.

The University Health Services at Manoa offers the meningoccocal vaccine for those students who wish to take this preventive measure. Menomune vaccination is one injection followed by a booster 3-5 years later. Please call the Health Services at 956-8965 to check on availability and charges.

For additional information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions on Meningitis. 

You can also visit the websites of CDC and the American College Health Association: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm, and www.acha.org.


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Last Updated: 03.01.2008