Bacterial meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely quickly. It is easily spread by direct contact, or by droplets of respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, kissing, and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation).

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood.

This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. Although treatment is available, those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

Bacterial meningitis symptoms are often confused with the common flu. However, the symptoms can progress rapidly and lead to long-term severe health problems or death.

For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control.

Texas Senate Bill 1107 requires all students entering an institution of higher education, who are 21 years of age or younger, to demonstrate proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. Vaccinations must have been received within the previous five (5) years, and no later than 10 days prior to the first day of the semester.

 

Vaccinations:
Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis:
-Meningococcal vaccines help protect against N. meningitidis 
-Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against S. pneumoniae
-Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) vaccines help protect against Hib
-Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis disease, but is not widely used in the United States

Risks of vaccine reaction:
Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot is given, tiredness, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, fever, chills, nausea, or diarrhea can happen after meningococcal B vaccination. Some of these reactions occur in more than half of the people who receive the vaccine. For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control.

Bacterial meningitis vaccinations may be available through your personal physician or at the local facilities listed below. Please call all pharmacies and facilities in advance to schedule an appointment and verify the availability of the vaccine.

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services: 281-238-3233

Matagorda Episcopal Health Outreach Program: 979-245-2008

HEB in Wharton: 979-282-2773

CVS in Wharton: 979-532-8660

Various Walgreens locations throughout Fort Bend County.

The Immunization Clinic/Southwest IMU Clinic: 281-313-7468

Evidence to decline a vaccination may be submitted by means of a certificate signed by a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. in which it states that, in the physician’s opinion, it would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student to receive the required vaccination.

Students may generate and print an online exemption for reasons of conscience, as well.

WCJC encourages all students to consult with a physician about the need for immunization to prevent this disease.