Meningitis
Meningococcal Meningitis is a serious and potentially fatal bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can lead to death or permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, limp amputation, kidney and heart failure, and permanent brain damage.
How is Meningitis spread?
Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through direct contact with a person already infected with the disease. Direct contact occurs by exposure to air droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person and occurs with shared items such as cigarettes, marijuana smoking devices, drinking glasses, eating utensils, and intimate contact such as kissing.
Vaccine Information
The State of Colorado requires all students living on campus to have a Meningitis vaccine that covers ACWY strains, within the last 3-5 years.
Meningitis B vaccine is highly recommended for all college students. Currently this vaccine is not on the list of required vaccinations but may be in the future. For more information on obtaining both vaccines, call the UNC Immunization Coordinator, Deb Miller at 970-351-1919.
Sierra's Race Against Meningitis
Thanks to donations from Sierra's Race Against Meningitis, the health center is offering the required vaccine for free to anyone in the community under the age of 55.
Sierra was a UNC student who passed away suddenly at the age of 20 from Meningitis. In honor of Sierra, her family, friends, and UNC partners, have worked tirelessly to provide free vaccines. Please consider sponsoring this life saving cause.
