Residence Life for New Students

Important Immunization Information from Bethel Health Services

Dear Student and/or Parent:

On behalf of Bethel University, I am writing to inform you about a new immunization recommendation that affects college students.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) have approved new recommendations that urge all first-year students living in residence halls to be immunized against meningococcal disease. The ACIP and ACHA recommendations further state that other college students under 25 years of age who wish to reduce their risk for the disease may choose to be vaccinated.

Meningococcal disease strikes 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 150 to 300 deaths. Adolescents and young adults account for nearly 30 percent of all cases of meningitis in the United States. In addition, approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur on college campuses each year, and five to 15 students die as a result.

A reformulated meningococcal vaccine (“conjugate”) is now available that has the potential to provide longer duration of protection against four of the five strains (or types) of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease—types A, C, Y, and W-135.

Due to lifestyle factors at most colleges and universities such as crowded living situations, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing of personal items, college students living in residence halls are at greater risk to acquire meningococcal disease. Bethel University students sign A Covenant for Life Together prohibiting smoking and use of alcohol, but students should be aware that bar patronage and second-hand smoke are also risk factors.

Meningococcal infection is contagious, progresses very rapidly, and can easily be misdiagnosed as the flu. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to death or permanent disabilities. One in five of those who survive will suffer from long-term side effects, such as brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, or limb amputation.

For college students who have not previously received the vaccine, we encourage you to seriously consider this opportunity. The vaccine will be offered in the Bethel University Health Services office. The cost is $90 and payment must be made by cash, check, or by billing the student’s account.  Or your family physician may offer the vaccine under your insurance plan.

For more information, please feel free to contact Bethel’s Health Services (651.638.6215) and/or consult your physician. You can also find information about the disease and immunization by visiting the ACHA website, www.acha.org/meningitis, and the CDC website, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_meningitis.htm.

Sincerely,

Liz Miller, R.N.
Director of Health Services