Meningococcal Meningitis

On July 23, 2003 Governer Pataki signed New York State Public Health Law (NYS PHL) § 2167 requiring institutions, including colleges and universities, to distribute information about meningococcal disease and vaccination to all students meeting the enrollment criteria, whether they live on or of campus. This law has been effective since August 15, 2003.

Cooper Union is required to maintain a record of the following for each student:

Health Forms Including Meningococcal Meningitis Response Form (PDF)

• A response to receipt of meningococcal disease and vaccine informaiton signed by the student or student's parent or guardian.
AND EITHER:
• A record of meningococcal meningitis immunization within the past 10 years;
OR
• An acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of meningococcal meningitis immunization signed by the student or student's parent or guardian.

Meningitis is rare. However, when it strikes, its flu-like symptoms make diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to swelling of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal seizers, limb amputation, and even death.

Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years of age (the age of most college students) have more than doubled since 1991. The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and claims about 300 lives. Between 100 and 125 meningitis cases occur on college campuses and as many as 15 students will die from the disease.

A vaccine is available that protects againts four tyupes of the bacteria that cause meningitis in the United States - types A, C, Y, AND W-135. These types account for nearly two thirds of meningitis cases among college students.

Cooper Union does not offer meningococcal vaccinations.

You may find a physician or office near you that stocks the meningitis vaccine at National Meningitis Association.

To learn more about meningitis and the vaccine, please feel free to contact our health service and or consult your child's physician. You can also find information about the disease at:

Meningitis On Campus
New York State Dept. of Health
Center for Disease Control Prevention
ACHA