It is strongly recommended that students and their families review their vaccinations to ensure that they are up-to-date. Special attention should be paid to such diseases as diphtheria, measles, mumps, tetanus and polio. While the College does not require proof of vaccination other that the Meningitis Vaccination, students are reminded that current vaccinations are a major step in providing protection for most individuals. Students in Allied Health and Public Safety programs may be required to provide health records and proof of vaccination as a condition of enrollment. Contact the individual program for additional information.
Recommended Vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
- Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular-pertussis (Tdap) protects against pertussis or also known as Whooping Cough, recently on the increase again according to news reports.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects girls against cervical cancer.
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
Weatherford College does not provide health insurance coverage to individual students. Information on carriers offering student policies is available in the Student Services Office.
WEATHERFORD COLLEGE MENINGITIS VACCINE POLICY
Texas SB 1107 makes meningitis vaccination mandatory for all students who are new or an institution of higher education or who are returning to an institution of higher education following a break of at least one fall or spring semester. Students must have had the vaccine at least ten days before the start of the semester they are planning to attend and must provide documentation of the vaccine by completing the Weatherford College Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine Form and providing the required documentation to accompany the form.
Meningitis vaccination is not required for a student who is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses or who is 22 years of age or older.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial or viral infection. It can result in permanent brain damage, learning disabilities, loss of limbs, loss of hearing, organ failure, and death. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningococcal meningitis strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually. It is estimated that 100-125 cases of meningococcal meningitis occur on college campuses and 5-15 students die each year as a result.
What is the Cause of Meningococcal Meningitis?
Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the Bacterium Neisseria Meningitides. This bacterium is the leading cause of meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning) among teenagers and young adults in the United States.
Why are College Students at Risk?
Studies show that individuals between the ages of 15-24 are at a greater risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis. Data suggests that certain social behaviors common among college students such as smoking, partying, excessive alcohol consumption and irregular sleep patterns may increase a student's risk of contracting the disease. The Centers for Disease Control reports that students living in dormitories have six times the risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis than college students overall. Outbreaks of meningitis have risen sharply in the past ten years.
How is Meningococcal Meningitis Spread?
Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted through the air via droplets of respiratory secretions or through direct contact with an infected person. Direct contact is defined as oral contact with an infected person. Direct contact is defined as oral contact with shared items such as cigarettes or drinking glasses or through intimate contact such as kissing. Many people are carriers of the organism and are immune to infection; however, they can spread meningococcal meningitis to others.
What are the Common Symptoms?
Early symptoms resemble the flu and may include:
- High Fever
- A headache
- Stiff neck
- Rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
Meningococcal meningitis is often mistaken as something that is less serious. If it is not detected early, often within hours of the first symptom(s), the disease can progress. Students are urged to seek medical care immediately if they experience two or more of the above symptoms concurrently.
When do Outbreaks Occur?
Meningococcal meningitis usually peaks during late winter and early spring.
How can Meningitis be Prevented?
A vaccine is available for the four types of bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis. The four types are serogroups: A, C, Y and W-135 and account for two-thirds of meningococcal meningitis cases among the college population. The development for immunity post-vaccination usually requires 7-10 days. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that college students become educated about meningococcal meningitis and the benefits of the vaccination.