SHS - Meningitis Vaccine FAQ's

Why do I need the vaccine?

Group housing situations such as residence halls, boarding schools, going to bars, drinking alcohol, smoking, and irregular sleep habits seem to be linked to contracting meningitis. College students, particularly freshmen living in residence halls, have a significantly greater risk than other college students of getting this contagious disease.

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What are the side effects from the vaccine?

The vaccine is well tolerated. However, soreness or redness at the injection site can occur for 1 to 2 days. A small number of people may have other reactions like headache, fever, aches, or chills. The vaccination should be avoided by persons with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine (including thimerosal). As with other immunizations, you should delay immunization if you have an illness, such as a fever. The vaccine is effective within 7 to 10 after injection.

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Can I get the vaccine from my personal physician?

Possibly. You will need to contact your personal physician to find out if they offer the vaccination.

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How much does the vaccine cost and do you have to be a student at KU to receive it at your facility?

KU Students: The current cost of the available vaccine is currently $101 at Watkins Memorial Health Center.
Non-Students: Non-KU students may get vaccinated for meningitis at Watkins Memorial Health Center by appointment. The cost is $140 to be paid in full at the time of the service.
KU Employees: University of Kansas employees may receive the meningitis vaccination at Watkins Memorial Health Center by appointment. The cost for employees is $140.
To verify the current prices, please call the SHS Business Office at 785-864-9520.
Students and community members ages 18 and younger may qualify for special pricing at
local city/county health departments through the Vaccines for Children Program.
To make an appointment, please call 785-864-9507.

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How did you arrive at the cost for the vaccination?

A dispensing fee is added to the purchasing cost of the vaccine for KU students. The price is different for employees, because it includes the cost of the office visit.

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Will my insurance cover the vaccine?

You will need to contact your insurance company to find out if the meningitis vaccination is covered by your policy and if the coverage applies to receiving the vaccination at Watkins Memorial Health Center. Many insurance companies, including the International Student and Mega Life Statewide Student Insurance Plan, do not cover this immunization.

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Should my local Health Department have the vaccine on hand?

Possibly. Please check with your local Health Department on the availability of the vaccine at http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/olrh/download/health_directory.pdf
If you are age 18 or younger, you may quality for a special pricing under the Vaccines for Children Program.

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Can I get the vaccination at Watkins Memorial Health Center at any time during the school year?

Yes. Watkins Memorial Health Center is open year-round, except for special times of operation when classes are not in session and during posted holidays. The Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 8pm, Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm, and Sundays from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. To make an appointment, please call (785) 864-9507. To speak to someone in our Immunizations Unit, please call (785) 864-9533.

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Does the vaccine protect against all types of meningitis?

Up to 83% of meningococcal disease in college students is caused by strains of bacteria, or Neisseria Meningitis, that are potentially vaccine-preventable. That is why many schools require or recommend meningococcal vaccination for their students. Because it does not cover all strains of Neisseria Meningitis, it is important to know the warning signs and see a physician if they occur. Most but not all are strains are prevented by currently available vaccines.

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Have there been any other cases since April 2004?

Not here at KU. In a effort to decrease the risk of students experiencing Meningococcal disease, the University of Kansas has instituted a Meningococcal vaccine policy on August 1, 2005.

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Can I just walk into Watkins Memorial Health Center to get the vaccination, or do I need an appointment?

To provide our students with timely service, please make an appointment at(785) 864-9507.

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I heard there are two types of vaccine. What is the difference?

Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4--Menomune®) has been available since the 1970s.
It is now recommended for children 2 - 10 years and adults over 55, who are at risk.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4--Manactra™) was licensed in 2005.
It is the preferred vaccine for people 11 - 55 years old. This is the vaccine currently available at Student Health Services at the University of Kansas

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Why is Menactra™ now available instead of Menomune®?

Menactra™ is recommended for people 11 - 55 years of age. It is expected to give better, longer-lasting protection. It should also be better at preventing the disease from spreading from person to person.

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