legelegel
03-24-2007, 07:03 AM
Who should get the shot?
By Jim Killackey
Staff Writer, The Oklahoman
Chris Etemadi, the latest Oklahoma State University student with bacterial meningitis, was discharged Thursday from Mercy Health Centerin Oklahoma City. He had not been vaccinated.
Etemadi is the third OSU student in 12 months to contract meningitis. OSU requires meningitis immunizations for students living on campus their first year, but many sign opt out.
Here are some facts about the disease and
what you can do:
Who should get the vaccine? Generally, college students and new military recruits. Specifically:
•Ages 11 to 12, or at high school entry.
•College freshmen living in dormitories.
•Military recruits.
•Microbiologists who may be exposed to the organism.
•People who travel to areas with much of the disease.
•Individuals with certain immune deficiencies.
•People without a working spleen.
Why them? The disease spreads more easily in dorms, barracks, bars and other close quarters. Many college students' immune systems are suppressed by lack of sleep and extra work.
How is meningitis spread? Stress, intimate kissing and spending time in smoky bars can cause the meningitis bacteria — which are carried by many students and young adults in their nasal cavities — to be released into their brains and cause an inflammation. Exposure to smoke, in particular, can break down barriers that contain meningitis bacteria.
What does the vaccine cost? At least $90 at county health departments; more from private physicians.
What are the risks? Barring a serious allergic reaction within a few minutes of the shot, the vaccine has no side effects other than fever or soreness where the shot was given.
Who shouldn't get it?
•Anyone who has ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome
•Anyone who's had a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component.
•Pregnant women, unless it is clearly needed.
•Anyone who is moderately or severely ill.
By Jim Killackey
Staff Writer, The Oklahoman
Chris Etemadi, the latest Oklahoma State University student with bacterial meningitis, was discharged Thursday from Mercy Health Centerin Oklahoma City. He had not been vaccinated.
Etemadi is the third OSU student in 12 months to contract meningitis. OSU requires meningitis immunizations for students living on campus their first year, but many sign opt out.
Here are some facts about the disease and
what you can do:
Who should get the vaccine? Generally, college students and new military recruits. Specifically:
•Ages 11 to 12, or at high school entry.
•College freshmen living in dormitories.
•Military recruits.
•Microbiologists who may be exposed to the organism.
•People who travel to areas with much of the disease.
•Individuals with certain immune deficiencies.
•People without a working spleen.
Why them? The disease spreads more easily in dorms, barracks, bars and other close quarters. Many college students' immune systems are suppressed by lack of sleep and extra work.
How is meningitis spread? Stress, intimate kissing and spending time in smoky bars can cause the meningitis bacteria — which are carried by many students and young adults in their nasal cavities — to be released into their brains and cause an inflammation. Exposure to smoke, in particular, can break down barriers that contain meningitis bacteria.
What does the vaccine cost? At least $90 at county health departments; more from private physicians.
What are the risks? Barring a serious allergic reaction within a few minutes of the shot, the vaccine has no side effects other than fever or soreness where the shot was given.
Who shouldn't get it?
•Anyone who has ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome
•Anyone who's had a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component.
•Pregnant women, unless it is clearly needed.
•Anyone who is moderately or severely ill.