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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has issued recommendations for individuals who should receive the meningitis vaccine in light of recent cases of meningococcal meningitis at Colorado State University and in the Fort Collins community.

Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. The same bacteria may invade the blood stream as well. Such infections are rare but potentially fatal. Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include fever, severe sudden headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, rash and lethargy.

There are currently no cases of meningitis at CU-Boulder. The last reported case was in March 2006.

The CDPHE recommends a meningitis vaccine for faculty, staff and students who are up to 30 years of age AND:

• Have a partner/family member attending or working on the CSU campus and who have never had the vaccine, or who have not had the vaccine within the last three years
• Have been in close contact with CSU students (such as through sharing utensils and beverages, kissing, playing beer pong or other games in which cups are shared) over the past two weeks and who have never had the vaccine, or who have not had the vaccine within the last three years
• Who are currently living in a CU residence hall (excluding family or graduate housing) and who have never had the vaccine, or who have not had the vaccine within the last five years, regardless of their contact with individuals at CSU

Any person who might be included in one of the above recommendations should call 303-492-5432 to schedule an appointment at Wardenburg Health Center for a meningitis vaccine. Limited quantities of the vaccine are available for $14.50 for students, faculty, and staff meeting the above guidelines, and it is free for students who are enrolled in the Student Gold Health Insurance Plan.

Students who are unsure if or when they had the meningitis vaccine should contact their parent/guardian, health care provider, or CU’s Immunization Program Office at 303-492-2005.

Parents of all incoming freshmen receive a letter during the summer with information about the recommendation for the immunization.
Wardenburg Health Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SOURCE: CU MEDIA RELEASE