Following the recommendation of the American College Health Association, Cornell University Health Services now provides the meningococcal vaccine to students who want to be vaccinated against the disease.

There is evidence that college students, living in close quarters such as residence halls and Greek houses, may have increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease. Investigations of previous college outbreaks suggest that lifestyle behaviors among college students -- such as active and passive smoking, bar patronage and excessive alcohol consumption -- increase the risk of contracting the disease. Meningitis outbreaks tend to peak in late winter and early spring, but can occur anytime when school is in session.

"There are a number of simple steps each one of us can take to reduce our risk of infection with meningococcal disease, as well as many other more common diseases," says Janet Corson-Rikert, M.D., director of University Health Services. "Avoid contact with the nasal and oral secretions of others, wash your hands; and avoid factors known to compromise the immune system. These factors include lack of sleep, excessive stress and heavy consumption of alcohol. Finally, consider getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease."

The vaccine, which is 85 percent effective against meningococcal serotype C, provides protection for approximately three to five years and is appropriate for college or university students under the age of 30 who want to be vaccinated to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease. Side effects are mild and infrequent. The only persons who should not receive the vaccine are those suffering from an acute illness, pregnant women, and those allergic to thimerosal, a preservative found in many vaccines and in contact lens solution.

Beginning Jan. 27, the vaccine will be available at Gannett Health Center every Tuesday (9 to 11:30 a.m.) and Wednesday (1:30 to 4 p.m.) for $68*. Students wanting more information on meningococcal vaccine may call 255-5155 or visit the University Health Services web site at http://www.sas.cornell.edu/gannett/gannett.html.

Meningococcal disease strikes about 2,600 Americans each year, leading to death in approximately 13 percent of cases, with more than 300 deaths annually. The incidence of meningococcal disease outbreaks has risen sharply in the past decade, with over one-third of these outbreaks occurring in schools, universities or other organizational-based settings. Mass administration of vaccine has proven effective in the control of Serotype C meningococcal outbreaks (the strain of the bacteria responsible for 75 percent of cases in the college age group).

Meningococcal meningitis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning) in the United States. Individuals who develop meningococcal meningitis are likely to experience initial symptoms that may include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting and lethargy. The disease progresses rapidly, often in as little as 12 hours. Cornell students experiencing two or more of these symptoms concurrently are urged to contact University Health Services (255-5155) immediately.

Meningococcal disease is transmitted through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions and through direct contact with infected persons (including oral contact with shared items, such as lip balms, drinking or eating utensils, cigarettes or through intimate contact such as kissing).

*Because the vaccine is a preventive treatment, most health insurance plans, including the Student Health Insurance Plan, will not pay for it. Financial assistance for vaccines is not available from UHS.