New Meningitis Vaccines: Making Sense of the Recommendations
By: Libby Skiles, Health Center
In the last several weeks, college health providers have been paying close attention to an outbreak of bacterial meningitis at the University of Oregon. This outbreak has resulted in multiple students becoming ill and, tragically, one student death. In response to this outbreak, vaccine manufacturers were able to speed up production of newly approved meningitis vaccines. These vaccines cover Group B, a type of bacterial meningitis not previously covered by vaccines. Answers to the most common questions about these new vaccines are below.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis (or meningococcal disease) is an illness that causes inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain or spinal cord. Meningitis can be both viral and bacterial. Viral meningitis usually goes away on its own without treatment or complications. Bacterial meningitis can result in serious complications and should be treated immediately.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Meningitis may result in a sudden onset of fever, headache, and/or stiff neck. There are usually additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and confusion. Students experiencing these symptoms should see a healthcare provider immediately.
Why is the vaccine important for college students?
College students are at a higher risk for meningitis. This is due in part to the fact that many students live together in the residence halls and are living in close proximity to one another. Other behaviors like sharing drinks, utensils, coughing, or kissing can result in the spread of this infection.
What are the new vaccines?
The new vaccines (Trumenba and Bexsero) were recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These vaccines both cover serogroup B, which is the subgroup of meningitis that has been responsible for many of the outbreaks on college campuses over the last several years. These vaccines cover different strains of Meningitis B. Trumenba is a three-part vaccination series. Follow-up doses are required two and six months after the initial dose. Bexsero is a two-part vaccination series with a follow-up dose required one month after the initial dose.
Should my student get this vaccine?
Currently, the national recommendation is for these new vaccines to be administered only in the case of outbreaks or if a student is immunocompromised. While this vaccine is not yet recommended for the general immunization schedule for our students, we do strongly encourage them to get a meningococcal vaccine (Menactra or Menveo) that will cover A, C, Y, and W serogroups.
How much does it cost?
Initial estimates for the Meningitis B vaccines are approximately $300 for the whole series. Insurance may not cover these vaccines until they are nationally recommended for administration to all college students.
Where can my student get vaccinated?
Until the vaccine is recommended for general administration, the Health Center won’t be able to carry it. This is largely due to the fact that we do not process insurance and these vaccines are rather expensive. We have confirmed that Safeway Pharmacy on Mission and Hamilton, which is less than three blocks from campus, is carrying the Trumenba. Students are able to go to Safeway and get this vaccine now, if they choose to do so. Again, insurance many not cover this expense until it is approved by the national vaccine oversight committee. We anticipate that the Meningitis B vaccines will be approved for all college students in June, 2015. If approved, the Health Center will be able to administer the vaccine and your student can submit a claim form to their insurance carrier for reimbursement.
I have more questions…
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Student Health Center at 509-313-4066 or studenthealth@gonzaga.edu. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.