Princeton University Begins Dispensing Meningitis Vaccine

vaccinePrinceton University began administering the first dose of the meningitis B vaccine today, with 1,261 students being vaccinated as of 4:30 p.m., school officials said.

Vaccine clinics are being held at the university from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday in the Frist Campus Center.

Since March, eight cases of meningitis associated with Princeton University students and a student visitor have been diagnosed. All eight cases were caused by meningococcal bacteria known as serogroup B. There is no vaccine for serogroup B in the United States, but there is a vaccine licensed for use in Europe and Australia,

Last month, the state declared an outbreak of meningitis at the university and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended  that all Princeton undergraduate students, graduate students living on campus, and other members of the University community with certain medical conditions receive the vaccine.

The  CDC and the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the vaccine for this  situation at Princeton.

The drug is made by Novartis. The University is covering the cost of the vaccine, which nurses from Maxim Health Systems are administering.

One Comment

  1. Our hearts and support go out to those affected by the
    terrible effects of meningitis. The Meningitis Foundation of America offers
    extensive information regarding diagnosis, immunization, recovery and the after
    effects of meningitis. MFA survives primarily
    by donations. For the past 16 years, we have assisted people through
    support groups, resources and advocacy in efforts to help those affected with
    meningitis overcome and those around them understand the journey ahead. We
    promote prevention and safety measure in at risk communities and help
    explain the short term, long term effects and recovery treatments of meningitis
    to the media and public at large. Meningitis
    is a dangerous & often times fatal infection that can lead
    to serious life-long physical problems and even death. We are here to
    provide emotional support to those who need it; please feel free to reach out
    to us at http://www.musa.org and customersupport@musa.org

    Daisi Pollard Sepúlveda-Low
    National President
    Meningitis Foundation of America, Inc.
    World Meningitis Day 24 April

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