Wisconsin Immunization Program

College Students and Meningococcal Disease

College freshman, in particular those who live in dormitories or residence halls, are at moderately increased risk for meningococcal disease as compared to individuals of the same age not attending college. The closed setting, combined with high risk behaviors (such as alcohol consumption, sharing of food and beverages, and exposure to smoke) may put college students at a greater risk for infection.

2003 Wisconsin, Act 61 (exit DHFS, PDF 6.6 KB), enacted on October 16, 2003, requires college students to be informed about meningococcal disease and hepatitis B.

Check with your physician or local health department on the availability of meningococcal vaccine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) links

• National Immunization Program (exit DHFS)
• Vaccine Specific Information (exit DHFS)
• Quick reference vaccine charts (exit DHFS)
• Meningococcal Disease (exit DHFS)

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Last Revised: October 24, 2008