Refusing the Meningococcal C Vaccine

Choosing to refuse the meningococcal C vaccine is a personal choice that is in high debate. Each state has varying laws regarding refusal of this vaccine, and the pros and cons of getting the vaccine should be taken into serious consideration before making your choice.

Protection

• The vaccine provides 90 percent protection against meningococcal C disease, according to the National Meningococcal C Vaccination Program. People of all ages are susceptible to getting the disease. However, those under the age of 5 and between the ages of 15 and 19 are at a greatest risk. Symptoms of meningitis may include vomiting, confusion, headache and stiffness in the neck.

Recommendations

• The Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) recommends that children ages 11 to 18 should receive one dose of the meningococcal C vaccine. A child between the ages of 2 and 10 who has had a damaged or removed spleen should also be vaccinated.

  Anyone who has had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine should not receive another one. Anyone who is moderately sick should not receive it, as well as anyone who has Guillain-Barré syndrome, according to the CDC.

State Requirements

• Each state has different laws regarding the meningococcal C vaccine. Some states, such as Ohio, Kansas and Colorado, require all students who attend college to disclose whether or not they have received the vaccinations. Other states, including North Dakota and New Mexico, have no requirements regarding students receiving the vaccination. Some states require students living in dormitories to have the vaccine.