NEW YORK STATE
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MENINGITIS LAW
Broome Community College Student Health Services
Important Information Concerning the New Meningitis Law
On July 22, 2003, Governor Pataki signed New York State
Public Health Law (NYS PHL) #2167 requiring institutions, including
colleges and universities, to distribute information about meningococcal
disease and vaccination to all students meeting the enrollment criteria,
whether they live on or off campus. This law becomes effective on August
15, 2003 (prior to Fall 2003 semester).
Broome Community College is required to maintain a record of the following
for each student:
- A response to receipt of meningococcal disease and vaccine information
signed by the student or student's parent or guardian. This must include
information on the availability and cost of meningococcal meningitis
vaccine (Menomune);
AND EITHER
- A record of the meningococcal meningitis immunization within the past
10 years; OR
- An acknowledgement of meningococcal disease risks and refusal of meningococcal
meningitis immunization signed by a student or student's parent or guardian.
Meningitis is rare. However, when it strikes, flu-like symptoms make
diagnosis difficult. If not treated early, meningitis can lead to swelling
of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column as well as severe
and permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, seizures,
limb amputation, and even death.
Cases of meningitis among teens and young adults 15 to 24 years of age
(average age of most college students) have more than doubled since 1991.
The disease strikes about 3,000 Americans of all ages each year and claims
about 300 lives. Between 100 and 125 meningitis cases occur on college
campuses and as many as 15 students will die from the disease.
Vaccine is available through your personal health care provider and/or
the Broome County Health Department that protects against four types of
the bacteria that cause meningitis in the United States-types A, C, Y,
and W-135. These types account for nearly two thirds of meningitis cases
among college students. If you are interested in becoming immunized against
Meningitis contact your personal health provider or the Broome County
Health Department (BCHD) at 778-839-Immunization Clinic. Costs vary with
private clinics; BCHD offers Menomune (vaccine) on a sliding fee scale
from $82.00 to $64.00.
Below is the required Meningococcal "Meningitis Response Form"
that needs to be signed and returned to Broome Community College Student
Health Services, Science Building, Room 102. NOTE: Per Public Health Law
#2167, no institution may permit a student enrolled for six or more credits
to attend classes in excess of 30 days without complying with this law.
To learn more about meningitis and the vaccine, please feel free to contact
our health service and/or consult with health care provider. You can also
find information about the disease at the College's website by clicking
onto the Student Health Service website, New York State Department of
Health @ www.health.state.ny.us, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) @ www. cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo,
and the American College Health Association (ACHA) @www.acha.org.
|
