Routine immunizations are available at the Student Health Service. Routine immunizations include Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tetanus Diphtheria (Td), Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Meningococcal (Menactra) vaccines and Tuberculin screening (ppd). Call to schedule an appointment.
Travel vaccine included all routine vaccinations and the following Hepatitis A(Havrix), Hepatitis A&B (Twinrix), Injectable Polio (IPOL), Typhoid, and Yellow Fever Vaccine
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Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine
Miami University recommends that all students, especially those living in residence halls, be immunized against meningococcal meningitis.
Meningococcal meningitis (as opposed to viral meningitis) is a bacterial infection spread by intimate person-to-person contact. It is a serious disease that requires aggressive treatment for victims as well as preventive measures for those having had contact with one who is infected. See the fact sheet below.
In the past, consistent with the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American College Health Association, Miami has made information about bacterial meningitis available to students and made the vaccine available at the Student Health Service. Two recent developments prompted Miami to take a further step.
First, a new Ohio law requires that students living in residence halls on campuses receiving state support are required to: 1. demonstrate that they have receive the appropriate immunizations; or, 2. sign a waiver indicating that they are aware of the disease and the risk, and have chosen not to be immunized. This law went into effect for students entering college this fall and is being implemented at Miami as part of the housing contract.
Also, the CDC, in response to a federal government panel that studied this issue, changed their recommendation to colleges and universities. The CDC previously advised that colleges make relevant factual information and the vaccine available to students, but now is recommending all students living in residence halls receive the immunization.
As a result, Miami recommends that all students living in the residence halls be immunized and encouraging students who live off-campus to consider receiving the immunization as well. For those wanting to be immunized on campus, we are making the vaccine available at the Student Health Service at the current cost of $150. More information also is available from the staff at the Student Health Service, by calling (513) 529-3000.
Fact: Bacterial meningitis is very rare--the annual incidence in the United States is 1 case per 100,000 people. But because meningitis can cause grave illness and rapid progress to death, it requires early diagnosis and treatment. In contrast to viral meningitis, persons who have had intimate contact with a case of bacterial meningitis require prophylactic therapy.
Fact: The disease is caused by the Meningococcal bacteria, which can also cause meningococcemia. The bacteria cannot survive outside the body for more than a few minutes. The disease is spread by intimate person-to- person contact (oral secretions) – kissing, sharing a drink, living in the same room. It is not spread through the air. Even persons who shared a drinking glass with a person who had the disease would have only three chances in 1,000 of contracting the disease.
Fact: Most college students have developed a natural immunity to bacterial meningitis. Casual contact by those who lived in the same residence hall or corridor, attended class or ate in the same dining hall does not pose an increased risk.
Fact: Meningitis disease is characterized by the abrupt onset of high fever, chills, nausea, muscle ache, severe headache, a bruise-like rash in the case of meningococcemia and , in the case of meningitis, a rigid neck (as opposed to merely a stiff or sore neck).
Fact: Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and can be spread through the air. Most cases of viral meningitis run a short, uneventful course. Since the causative agent is a virus, antibiotics are not effective. Persons who have had contact with a person with viral meningitis do not require any treatment.
Fact: One can reduce the risk of contracting meningococcal disease and other diseases by maximizing the body's own immune system through a lifestyle that includes a balanced, healthy diet, adequate sleep, appropriate exercise and avoidance of stress. Avoiding upper respiratory infections and inhalation of tobacco smoke may also help to protect from invasive disease. Everyone should be sensitive to other public health measures that decrease exposure to oral secretions, such as covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing hands after contact with oral secretions.
If you have questions or would like more information please contact the Student Health service at (513) 529-3000.
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