Should You Worry About Meningitis?

Get the facts, and an update on new, longer-lasting vaccine

Close quarters raise the risk

The typical college dorm is an easy place to spread meningitis. That’s why vaccine is recommended for first-year students.

When parents hear their child (or a classmate) has meningitis, it’s easy to fear the worst. This infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord is often associated with rare but well-publicized deaths. It’s important to replace panic with facts.

“Most cases are viral meningitis, which often clears up on its own and usually has no lasting effects,” says Luther Rhodes, M.D, infectious disease specialist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Bacterial meningitis, which can be deadly, is rare and difficult to catch.” The bacterium itself is common, he says—“in fact, it’s found in the noses and throats of many healthy people whose natural immunity keeps them from developing symptoms. But they can spread it. That’s why we give antibiotics to anyone who came in contact with a person testing positive for the bacteria.”

Doctors diagnose meningitis by doing a spinal tap, a test that draws fluid from the spinal canal. Symptoms for bacterial and viral meningitis are the same, and they’re easy to confuse with a cold or flu. If your child has high fever, headache, stiff neck or a rash, Rhodes says, call your doctor immediately.

A new, longer-lasting vaccine

Until now, the vaccine for the most common strain of bacterial meningitis (meningococcal) lasted only three to five years. All new military recruits were vaccinated, and some colleges and universities recommended it for first-year students. “These are people living in close quarters, where meningitis is most easily spread,” says pediatrician Michael Consuelos, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

This year, a new, eight-year vaccine became available. Besides for the military, it’s recommended for 11- to 12-year-olds through college freshmen. Although there are no serious side effects, the new vaccine isn’t necessary for people outside these at-risk groups. It costs about $100, and insurance currently does not cover it.

Want to Know More? Click here for a complete chart of recommended childhood immunizations and a previous Healthy You article on preparing for college.

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