Meningitis is a rare, but potentially fatal infection causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, or a life-threatening bloodstream infection.

To Receive the MENINGITIS VACCINE , You MUST:
Sign up and Pre-Pay at DSU Health Service BEFORE  Sept. 19th
605-256-6951 (Hours 9am – 4pm)
(Located at Interlakes Medical Center, 903 N. Washington – North of Zimmerman Hall)
Cost of the Vaccine is $105
Meningitis vaccinations will be given Oct. 1st – 15th      
(given on a “walk-in” basis for those students who have signed up and paid)

Meningitis is a rare, but potentially fatal infection causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, or a life-threatening bloodstream infection.

Up to 10% of healthy adolescents and adults  carry meningococcal bacteria in their respiratory tract and never become ill.  Approximately 2600 cases of meningococcal disease are reported each year in the United States, with a fatality rate of approximately 10%.   The highest incidence of the disease occurs in infants.  Studies show that freshman living in dormitories have a slightly higher incidence of meningococcal disease than non-college 18 – 23 year olds.  (The rate is 4.6  per 100,000 students.)  There are several different “strains” or serogroups of meningitis, but the highest incidence of disease is caused from serogroups  A, B, C, Y, and W-135. A vaccine is available that protects against types A, C, Y, and W-135.  There is no vaccine for serogroup B meningitis.

 Immunity from the vaccine lasts 3 – 5 years, and is 72% – 90 % effective.  Usual side effects of the shot are: tenderness or swelling at the site of the injection, headache, and/or fever.  These occur in less than 5% of people who get the shot.  A few cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a serious nervous system disorder, have been reported among people who got Meningitis Vaccine.  There is not enough evidence yet to tell whether these symptoms were caused by the vaccine.

There are some select Rural Health Care Centers and Public Health offices that may provide vaccine at a significantly reduced cost. Your local clinic or public health nurse is able to provide further information.

You should NOT get the immunization IF:
• You are ILL at the time of the injection
• You are ALLERGIC TO THIMEROSAL (a preservative in some vaccines or eye drops)
• You are ALLERGIC TO LATEX
• You have a disease or take medications that suppress your immunity
If you are pregnant, or may possibly be pregnant, consult your doctor before getting the vaccine.

To Receive the MENINGITIS VACCINE , You MUST:
Sign up and Pre-Pay at DSU Health Service BEFORE  Sept. 19th
605-256-6951 (Hours 9am – 4pm)
(Located at Interlakes Medical Center, 903 N. Washington – North of Zimmerman Hall)
Cost of the Vaccine is $105
Meningitis vaccinations will be given Oct. 1st – 15th      
(given on a “walk-in” basis for those students who have signed up and paid)

Address any questions to Jill, Teresa, or Marilee at DSU Health Service