Meningitis Vaccine

State law requires that each student living in on-campus housing be vaccinated against meningitis or to document that he/she is aware of the vaccine but elects not to be vaccinated. The meningitis vaccine may be obtained from a student’s local health department or physician or through the ABAC Health Center.

In accordance with Georgia Code Section 31-12-3.2, all students living in college owned housing must EITHER receive a vaccine for bacterial meningitis OR sign a waiver indicating that they have reviewed information about the risks of bacterial meningitis and have already been vaccinated or choose not to be vaccinated. Below is the information you will need in accordance with Georgia Code Section 31-12-3.2.

What is Meningococcal disease? (1)Meningococcal disease is a serious disease that can lead to death within only a few hours of onset; one in ten cases is fatal; and one in seven survivors of the disease is left with a severe disability, such as the loss of a limb, mental retardation, paralysis, deafness, or seizures; (2)Meningococcal disease is contagious but a largely preventable infection of the spinal cord fluid and the fluid that surrounds the brain; (3)Scientific evidence suggests that college students living in dormitory facilities are at a moderately increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease; and (4)Immunization against meningococcal disease will decrease the risk of the disease. Students planning to reside in college housing will receive information regarding meningococcal disease.

For students electing to take the vaccine, one dose is recommended with a booster in five years. Otherwise, students must sign a form that documents that they decline the vaccine.

Meningococcal Disease Vaccination Record/Declination Form