Because students living in dorm environments have a higher risk of contracting meningitis, all ETSU students are required to either take the meningococcal meningitis vaccine or sign a release confirming that they have received all necessary information to make an informative decision.
“Students aren’t required by law to take the meningitis vaccine,” said Barbara Knight, health educator coordinator. “They are, however, required to be told about the severity of Hepatitis B and meningitis.”
Students are also required to sign a Hepatitis B/meningococcal meningitis history and waiver form showing that they have already been vaccinated or have received information and choose not to be vaccinated.
Beginning in early October, academic holds will be placed on students who have not completed and returned the form to the health clinic.
Although the meningitis vaccine is currently only strongly recommended, Knight said she feels that in a year or two, the state will require all students to take it.
“Bacterial meningitis is a high risk disease,” Knight said. “Every year, 270 students across the nation contract meningitis.”
She also said she hopes that most students will take the vaccine.
The chances of surviving after contracting meningitis are low, and survivors are typically left with permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss or limb amputations.
In fact, an estimated one-third of the 2,000 to 3,000 annual cases in the United States result in death or severe disabilities.
On Thursday, Sept. 25 from 1 to 7 p.m., nurses from Maxim Health Systems will be administering the meningitis vaccine to students at the D.P. Culp University Center in the right ballroom on the third floor.
The vaccine costs $90. Payment can be made with an IDBUC$ card, major credit card, personal check, or cash.
The side effects of this vaccination are little to none. Knight said some students might experience a low-grade temperature or a sore arm.
For more information, contact Knight at 439-4500 or Maxim Health Systems toll free at 1-877-476-7836.
To obtain a Hepatitis B/meningococcal meningitis history and waiver form, go to http://www.etsu.edu/studenthealth/State_Immunization_Requirements.htm.

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