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College freshmen encouraged to get meningococcal vaccinations The Alabama Department of Public Health encourages incoming college freshmen who plan to live in dormitories to be vaccinated with meningococcal vaccine. Freshmen living in dormitories are at higher risk for meningococcal disease compared to other people of the same age. Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said, "All matriculating freshmen who will be residing in dormitories should consider being vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and immunogenic, and therefore can be provided to all other college students who want to reduce their risk for meningococcal disease." The disease is caused by bacteria that infect the bloodstream and the linings of the brain and spinal cord, causing serious illness. Every year in the United States, 1,400 to 2,800 people get this disease, with 10-14 percent dying and 11-19 percent having permanent disabilities (such as mental retardation, hearing loss and loss of limbs).
For more information contact your local health care provider or the Immunization Division, Alabama Department of Public Health, (334) 206-5023 or www.adph.org /immunization.
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