Vaccines available for meningococcal disease
March 22, 2016
Director, UAF Student Health and Counseling Center
This week, the university was notified that some UAF students on an Alternative Spring Break trip to the East Coast last week may have been exposed to meningococcal disease.
The group returned from their trip on March 19. On March 20, UAF was contacted by the New Jersey Department of Health, which is investigating a suspected case of the disease in a person who was housed in the same facility as the UAF group.
The students who were potentially exposed have all been contacted by the university and public health officials. Those who were already in Fairbanks have been evaluated by local health care providers. Those who were still traveling were given instructions for seeking medical evaluation.
It is important to note that UAF students who were exposed are thought to be at low risk for developing meningitis. And no UAF students who were exposed are ill with symptoms of meningitis at this time. They have been advised to seek medical care promptly if they develop symptoms. For additional information about meningococcal disease, visit http://www.cdc.gov/
Another thing to note is that students who apply to live in residence halls are provided information about meningococcal disease and the meningococcal vaccine. It is recommended, but not required, that students who are freshmen living in residential housing obtain the meningococcal vaccine. It is available at the UAF Student Health and Counseling Center for $55 and also from local pharmacies and medical facilities.
If you have questions about this situation or about the disease, please don’t hesitate to contact the UAF Student Health and Counseling Center at 474-7043 or speak to your health care provider. Students who live in residence halls can also speak to their resident assistants and resident directors if they have concerns.