P.E.I. making free meningitis vaccine available to post-secondary students living in residence
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The provincial authorities is increasing the meningitis B vaccine program in P.E.I. to incorporate post-secondary college students dwelling in residence.
Beginning in April 2023, these college students will likely be eligible for the free two-dose meningitis B vaccine, whether or not they attend a post-secondary faculty in P.E.I. or out-of-province.
Meningococcus, the bacterium liable for meningitis, is carried within the throats of about one-quarter of wholesome older adolescents with out inflicting signs.
It spreads via shut contact, corresponding to sharing utensils, kissing or dwelling in the identical home.
Often, the bacterium can grow to be invasive, inflicting signs like fever, vomiting, headache, a spotty rash or a stiff neck.
Invasive meningococcal illness might be deadly in uncommon instances.
Chief public well being officer Dr. Heather Morrison stated that the vaccine, given in two doses one month aside, is a protected and efficient approach to supply safety in opposition to bacterial meningitis.
“Submit-secondary aged college students dwelling in residence are at increased danger of growing invasive meningococcal illness resulting from their age together with the variety of college students residing collectively in shut quarters,” Morrison famous.
The vaccine program is now open to all incoming and present post-secondary college students dwelling in residence. College students should present proof of acceptance to residence earlier than reserving their vaccine appointment. The College of Prince Edward Island and Holland School will administer the vaccine to their college students, whereas Well being P.E.I. public well being nurses will deal with vaccinations for Islanders attending post-secondary establishments out-of-province.
Vaccines are already offered throughout outbreaks and for people with underlying circumstances that place them at increased danger of growing invasive meningococcal illness.
