Yale Health is offering vaccines to all members of the university community after an undergraduate student tested positive for serogroup B meningococcal disease, a form of bacterial meningitis.
The student was hospitalized after developing symptoms last week, according to Yale Health. Laboratory tests have since confirmed the diagnosis.
Although federal law requires all incoming students to receive meningitis vaccines, the required vaccination does not protect against serogroup B, Yale Health said.
The health center is now offering a new vaccine that will do just that.
“With a single case on campus, federal, state, and local health officials do not recommend mass vaccinations, but we are prepared to offer the new vaccine to anyone in the Yale community who wishes to be vaccinated,” Yale Health said in an advisory Friday.
The new vaccine will be available starting Feb. 17 and includes two inoculations to be received a month apart, according to Yale Health.
UConn students and employees insured by Yale Health can receive the vaccine for free, while those with other health care providers that do not cover the cost will pay $256 for both rounds.
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Serogroup B occurs sporadically and one case is not indicative of an outbreak, according to Yale Health. Although contagious, the disease is spread only through prolonged close contact with a patient.
To schedule an appointment to receive the new vaccine, call 203-432-0076.
More information on meningitis is available by calling the meningitis hotline at 866-924-9253 or visiting the Centers for Disease Control website.
