<p>We received a letter from our incoming freshman son's college on the topic of meningitis. I'm wondering how many of your students have been vaccinated against this and if there are any reasons not to get the vaccination.</p>
<p>My sons were both vaccinated a few years ago before going to a 3-week summer camp session where they lived in college dorms. My younger son, who's off to college in the fall, received a booster shot this summer. His doctor said the newer vaccine is better and longer-lasting. His college included a letter in their medical materials saying that if you did not come with proof of having had the vaccine, you would be required to get one at the school infirmary (at a fairly steep price), so they are considering it a requirement.</p>
<p>I haven't heard of any reasons not to get this vaccination if you'll be living in close contact with many others (as dorm residents do), assuming your family is not against vaccinations for other reasons.</p>
<p>Meningitis is not, IMO, something to mess with! There is usually at least one outbreak on a college campus every year.</p>
<p>I know that there are folks who disagree with all vaccines, all the time. I am not one of them. This one seemed, to me, to be important.</p>
<p>S was inoculated prior to freshman year without incident.</p>
<p>The meningitis vaccine was required at the colleges both of my kids attend (different schools). It is required at all colleges in this state, and the one where DS went to college. In both cases, the kids could not register for classes without proof of this vaccine or a religious waiver. Kids in dorms are at risk for many contagious illnesses...they live in very close proximity to one another. My kids also get the flu vaccine annually.</p>
<p>My son had the vaccine before attending a summer program this year where the kids would be living in dorms. It never crossed my mind NOT to have him get it, and it fact, it has now been recommended for children as young as 12 or 13.</p>
<p>Remember that you can always opt out, even if a vaccination is "required."</p>
<p>I have chosen to have my kids vaccinated, because my mom worked in a polio ward in the 50's. I have heard the stories about the disease, and I know that the polio vaccine was a godsend. I don't have a problem vaccinating my kids against diseases that are fatal or life-changing.</p>
<p>D will probably not have the Gardisil vaccine, though. She's not sold on its necessity (for her) & concerned about longterm effects.</p>
<p>S was just vaccinated recently for meningitis & hep A. The next day he woke up with a stiff neck that lasted a full week, and 2 days later he had an enlarged lymph node under his armpit & some pain in his chest. The verdict was that the vaccinations caused his symptoms ... but they weren't that big a deal.</p>
<p>I got Menactra earlier this summer, as required (I believe) for any Princeton students (actually, I think it may be for any NJ college students living in dorms).</p>
<p>Just a thought, does anyone ever feel a little miffed by people who "opt out" of vaccines that are for widespread, and controlled (by vaccine) illnesses? In a way they're reaping the positive effects of the population immunity conferred by widespread vaccination, while at the same time keeping this kind of selfish "well I'm too concerned about the side effects and not convinced I'll ever get what the vaccine is for" attitude.</p>
<p>Same thread last year- get the vaccine. The illness can be too devastating, the vaccine risks worth it.</p>
<p>Both of my kids have had Menactra. It doesn't prevent all strains of meningitis, but it's a help.</p>
<p>DD had the original meningitis and Hep B shots prior to summer camp at age 12 or 13 and she just had the meningitis booster (at the urging of Student Health Services). She has also started Gardisil (1st shot; will have 2nd and 3rd at Student Health Services).</p>
<p>I'm not thrilled about the idea of any vaccinations, but my kids have had all of the ones that are necessary, including the one for meningitis. Since S had a difficult time from the "P" in the DPT vaccine and had to switch to the DT, I'm always extra cautious and ask lots of questions (most of them fielded to my H) before the vaccines are given.</p>
<p>Mine have had Menactra as well. Both had meningitis vaccines when they first came out a few years ago and had the new and improved version last year. Personally, I wouldn't skip it.</p>
<p>I never had my meningities vaccine (because my doctor is a moron-she didn't even know that there had been that huge shortage last year)...</p>
<p>Even there was no meningiteis outbreak last year, I'm gonna try and get it soon. It's just dangerous not to have the vaccine because meningitis is very deadly.</p>
<p>I'm close to 24 and never had it either, but I am going to get it soon, in case I go abroad in the near future.</p>
<p>Isn't Gardisil for cancer caused by STD's?</p>
<p>While we are on the subject, anyone had a rabies vaccine? Typhoid fever? Yellow fever? How much do these generally cost?</p>
<p>Gardasil is to protect against the HPV virus. The HPV virus is as common as strep (ie strep throat), can be carried with absolutely no symptoms, can induce DNA changes in the cells of the cervix, and trigger precancerous and cancerous changes to the cervix. Yes, it moves from one partner to another during sex. No, you can't get it if you don't have sex, but yes, the first time you have sex you can instantly acquire it if your partner has previously been exposed. 80% of the adult population will be exposed by age 50. No, not everyone with HPV exposure gets cervical cancer. Most will eventually make antibodies and that will rid the virus. Some never make antibodies. Some don't make them in time. </p>
<p>I think the risks of the meningitis vaccine are very low, and plan on my kids getting the vaccine before living in a dorm situation. My two D's have already started the Gardasil series, and have had no complaints. I have administered over 1000 of the Gardasil doses in my office, and no problems to date.</p>
<p>I've had typhoid fever and yellow fever, but too long ago to tell you how much they cost. I'd get the meningitis vaccine just because it's such a scary disease. I haven't read about many dangerous side effects. (Both typhoid and yellow fever BTW have given me high temperatures and made me feel really lousy with a very sore arm.)</p>
<p>I've had the typhoid vaccine, but it was free to me at the health clinic. However, I didn't have any adverse side effects besides the usual soreness.</p>
<p>Good info about gardisil sunny. My d starts the vaccine next week and she gave me her little prudish "MOTHER!" when I suggested it. But how many times do you get the chance to beat a cancer to the punch? </p>
<p>And getting the vaccine is not a moral statement since a celibate female could feasibly be infected by a noncelibate partner on her wedding night for pete's sake....</p>
<p>We went through the same debate over the meningitis vaccine when d went away to college last year. Our family doctor isn't a strong believer in it and that swayed us for awhile. Finally after first semester we decided she should get it and she agreed. She travels abroad alot and has had typhoid vaccine and others as well we thought it would be good. Haven't decided on the Gardasil and will leave that decision up to her.</p>