Information about Meningococcal Disease

Required by Georgia Code 31-12-3.2

As part of the residence hall housing agreement, students are required to sign an acknowledgement of the information provided below.

a. Georgia Code Section 31-13-3.2 requires that all students living in university housing be informed of risks associated with meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a serious disease that can lead to death within only a few hours of onset. One in 10 cases is fatal, and one in seven survivors of the disease is left with a severe disability, such as the loss of a limb, developmental disability, paralysis, deafness or seizures. Meningococcal disease is contagious but a largely preventable infection of the spinal cord fluid and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Scientific evidence suggests that college students living in dormitory facilities are at a moderately increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease. Immunization against meningococcal disease will decrease the risk of disease. For additional information about meningococcal disease, visit nmaus.org.

b. Students should contact their local health care provider to get the vaccine or check with area providers. Insurance may cover this vaccine; students should confirm this with their vaccine provider and their own insurance provider.

c. Students must call to verify availability and costs of vaccines through their chosen provider. If students need financial assistance, they must confirm all eligibility requirements for the Vaccines for Children program. Applicants must be under 18 years of age and have no medical insurance coverage, among other requirements. Call your local health department for more information.

d. By their electronic signature of this license agreement, students verify that they have (a) received a vaccination against meningococcal disease not more than five years prior to admittance, or (b) reviewed the information above regarding meningococcal disease.

e. If the student is younger than 18 years of age, then the student’s parent or legal guardian verifies, by electronic signature of this license agreement, that (a) the student has received a vaccination against meningococcal disease not more than five years prior to admittance, or (b) the student and the parent/legal guardian have reviewed the information above regarding meningococcal disease.

Chatham County Health Department
1395 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406

Fulton County Board of Health
10 Park Place South SE
Atlanta, GA 30303