Vaccinations: Not Just for Babies Anymore.When the subject of immunizations comes up, we tend to think of the shots given to infants and young children. However, a new recommendation for a vaccine against meningitis may focus legislative attention during the 2000 session on immunization immunization: see immunity; vaccination. for young adults. Arkansas adopted legislation in 1999 (H2136) requiring colleges and universities to advise students and their parents about the risks of meningitis and that a vaccine is available. The law resulted from two studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agency of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1973, with headquarters in Atlanta; it was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. (CDC See Control Data, century date change and Back Orifice. CDC - Control Data Corporation ) concluding that freshmen college students, especially those living in dorms, are at modestly increased risk of getting meningitis compared with other people their age. Approximately 3,000 cases of bacterial meningitis bacterial meningitis Acute bacterial meningitis Neurology Meningeal inflammation caused by bacteria which, if untreated, is often fatal, or associated with significant sequelae Epidemiology 60% are community-acquired–CM, 40% nosocomial–NM Predisposing occur each year and between 10 percent and 13 percent are fatal, even with proper treatment. An additional 10 percent of those infected suffer severe complications such as mental retardation or loss of limbs. Last year 88 cases occurred, killing eight students. With the availability of a vaccine, families and policymakers alike face choices. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) consists of fifteen advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), selected by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, to provide advice and guidance on the most effective recommends that incoming college students receive information about the vaccine and the benefits it can provide. The American College Health Association also recommends that health services take a more active role in educating students about the disease and the vaccine. Immunization requirements are nothing new for many college students. More than half of the states and the District of Columbia District of Columbia, federal district (2000 pop. 572,059, a 5.7% decrease in population since the 1990 census), 69 sq mi (179 sq km), on the east bank of the Potomac River, coextensive with the city of Washington, D.C. (the capital of the United States). require entering freshmen to show proof of vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella rubella or German measles, acute infectious disease of children and young adults. It is caused by a filterable virus that is spread by droplet spray from the respiratory tract of an infected individual. or at least measles and mumps. In some states, proof of additional vaccinations is also required, including polio, tetanus, diphtheria diphtheria (dĭfthēr`ēə), acute contagious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae (Klebs-Loffler bacillus) bacteria that have been infected by a bacteriophage. It begins as a soreness of the throat with fever. and hepatitis B shots. In Texas, the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine is required only for students in health-related fields. Vaccinations for measles only are required for students in Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Puerto Rico; students in the District of Columbia must have had a polio vaccine. Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Utah require the hepatitis B series for specific groups of students, usually those in health-related programs. Twenty states have no immunization requirements for college entrance. With more vaccines being developed each year, the issue of requirements will continue to be on the legislative radar screen. |
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