Louisiana law now requires all college students to have the meningitis vaccine, but because of a shortage of the vaccine, the Department of Health and Hospitals has issued guidelines emphasizing distribution of the vaccine specifically to incoming freshmen. Nicholls University Health Services is contracting with Maxim Health Systems to provide more opportunities for students to take the vaccine. Students may take the vaccine at a physician’s office, local health department, the University Health Services, or Aug. 18 at noon in 117 Peltier, Aug. 24 between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Quad Area and Aug. 25 between 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union.

According to Jan Thomas, Director of University Health Services, all incoming freshman must comply with the law to receive the vaccination unless students present a medical statement from a physician stating that the vaccination is harmful to an existing medical problem, sign a waiver for personal reasons or cannot get the vaccine because there is a shortage. If the reason for not receiving the vaccination is because of the shortage, the student will be contacted at a later date to receive the vaccination.

The meningitis is a potentially deadly disease. The disease presents itself with flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, vomiting, nausea, and general malise. Because of its resemblance to the flu, a physician may not be able to recognize the symptoms as meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis usually runs its course, and one will recover from it. Bacterial meningitis is the disease that causes concern to physicians, Thomas explained.

“The bacterial meningitis may cause grave illness that can lead to permanent disability and death,” said Thomas.

The meningitis vaccination costs between $85 and $125, depending on where one receives it. The Nicholls student health insurance does not carry coverage for preventable medications.

“Most students can’t afford their books, and if it is mandatory they should offer it for free,” Stephanie Leblanc, freshman from Houma said. Stephanie said that she understands the reason for the meningitis vaccination, but she thinks it is expensive.

The side effects from receiving the vaccination are mild and include redness and swelling at the spot the shot is received.

The disease is transmitted through oral secretions. College students are more at risk because they live in close to each other and because of their social interactions with one another. All incoming freshmen should contact University Health Services at 985-493-2600 if they have any questions about the meningitis vaccination.