Universities across the country are establishing official vaccination policies in response to an increase in inquiries from parents and students about the chances of acquiring meningitis.

Following guidelines set by the American College Health Association, West Virginia University recommends but does not require that its students be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis.

According to Dr. Jan Palmer, director of Health Services at WVU , the likelihood of acquiring a meningitis infection is low.

“Fortunately, meningitis cases are extremely rare, and that’s why we don’t require that all students be vaccinated against the disease,”Palmer said.”But because it potentially can be fatal, students are encouraged to obtain the vaccination as protection.”

Incoming students and parents are advised about WVU policy regarding the meningococcal vaccine at orientation.

“We tell students and their parents that the meningococcal vaccine is a good thing to obtain, but it is even more important for students to obtain a Hepatitis B shot, as people are much more likely to contract that,”Palmer said.

If given by WVU Health Services, the cost of the meningococcal vaccine is $70. Palmer said the fee covers the $65 cost of the vaccine to the health services lab and a $5 co-payment.

The cost of the Hepatitis B vaccine is $50 for each of three shots in a series, plus a $5 co-payment for each visit if obtained through the University’s health services department.

If students want either the meningococcal or Hepatitis B vaccine provided through WVU Health Services, they are asked to make an appointment with the department by calling 304-293-2311.