Do I need a meningitis vaccine shot before college?

[Chaotic42]

I keep hearing PSAs about people going to college and dying in a matter of hours from getting it. I won't have insurance in a few weeks, so is it something I need to get?

 

[JammingJay]

I don't know a single person that went to college that got a meningitis vaccine shot before they attended

 

[Glitchny]

its not completly neccesary but most schools reccomend that u get the vaccine, and yeah u can die very quickly from having it

 

[Glitchny]

Originally posted by: JammingJay
I don't know a single person that went to college that got a meningitis vaccine shot before they attended

i know at least 5 off te top of my head

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: JammingJay
I don't know a single person that went to college that got a meningitis vaccine shot before they attended

From what I hear it's a very painful and terrible disease that kills quickly.

I'm just wondering if it's really necessary.

 

[Joker81]

its more important if you are going to live in a dorm/frat type situation. many people i contact.

 

[Regs]

I didn't even know they had a vaccine for that :Q. I would take one in a heart beat if the school paid for the medical bill.

After seeing one of my friends get viral meningitis and getting stuck in the hospital for 3 months, I say it would be well worth it.

 

[beer]

GET THE MENENGITIS SHOT. DO NOT EVEN THINK TWICE.

When I was a senior in HS, my girlfriend's best friend came down with menengitis (he was a freshman in college). It was the most horrible thing I have ever seen in my life. The shot is painful and may give you a fever for a day (it did me) but for the love of god get it. Whether or not you live in a dorm.....

 

[lancestorm]

I agree. It is worth it if you are living near a lot of people. Definite if you are in a dorm. Now is the time of year to worry about it too with everyone returning from all regions of the country after holiday break...

 

[rgwalt]

The vaccination isn't that expensive, even without insurance. I got the vaccine while in college. It probably wasn't necessary, but my motto is "Better safe than dead". You will be especially at risk living in a communal environment, like a dorm, a frat, or some other kind of group housing. You are further at risk if you will have regular contact with international students, whether in the dorms or by working with/around them. (Note, I'm not putting down international students, I'm conveying a fact that was told to me by my doctor.) I was in school for chemical engineering and living in the dorms, so I took the shot.

Be mindful that the shot is only good for 3 years. However, when you move out of a communal environment, you greatly reduce your risk of getting sick (with anything), so if you plan to move off campus after a few years, then you don't need to worry about it. If not, get another shot as necessary.

Good luck, don't worry too much, and most of all ENJOY COLLEGE and your new-found freedom.

R

 

[nativesunshine]

better safe than sorry.

i got a shot prior to starting college...

i don't know anyone who's gotten the disease...but like i said..better safe than sorry.

 

[Gyrene]

I was required to get one.