A meningococcal vaccination campaign on a university campus: vaccination rates and factors in nonparticipation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. This study was undertaken to determine an accurate vaccination rate and identify factors influencing nonvaccination in a meningococcal vaccination campaign on a Connecticut university campus in May 1993. METHODS. Vaccination and student data were merged to determine demographic factors associated with nonvaccination. A case-control study examined reasons for nonvaccination. RESULTS. The estimated vaccination rate for students returning to the campus was 93%. Lower rates occurred among older students, students living off campus, graduate and nondegree students, and married students. Perceived poor access to the vaccination center was the strongest predictor of nonvaccination. CONCLUSIONS. Higher vaccination rates may be achieved by specifically targeting students who live off campus and by providing multiple vaccination sites with extended hours.

Uptake of a new meningitis vaccination programme amongst first-year undergraduate students in the United Kingdom: A cross-sectional study

“…This study found that vaccination rates decreased with increasing age and has provided a unique insight into vaccination amongst 20–25 year-olds, with data on uptake in this age-group not collected by PHE [ 35 ]. This finding concurs with other studies of student meningococcal vaccination and is highly relevant given that many students enter university at an older age, with 50.4% of the sample aged 20–25 years [ 6 , 8 , 9 ]. As this association was amplified upon multivariable analysis, it is unlikely to be attributable to demographics or health beliefs.…”

Predictors of Meningococcal Vaccination Among University Students

“…Several researchers 10,11 have looked at factors predicting vaccination during mass meningococcal vaccination programs in response to cases of meningococcal disease. Gender, on-campus residence, and age have been shown to predict vaccination.…”

“…Gender, on-campus residence, and age have been shown to predict vaccination. [10][11] Ethnicity has also been shown to influence vaccination rates; we did not examine ethnicity in this study. 10 Our study has potential limitations.…”

“…Although college students are not at higher risk of disease compared with the general population of sameage individuals, there have been several outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease on college campuses. [7][8][9][10][11] Approximately two-thirds of cases of invasive disease in college students are caused by vaccine-preventable strains, and freshmen living in residence halls have been shown to have the highest risk of disease. 12-13 Although routine meningococcal vaccination of college students may not be cost-effective, the American College Health Association (ACHA) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend that college students and their parents be informed of the risks of meningococcal disease and the possible benefits of meningococcal vaccine.…”

Serogroup C meningococcal disease outbreak associated with discotheque attendance during carnival

“…Serogroup C meningococcal disease (SCMD) outbreaks are an emerging health problem [1,2]. Outbreaks have been described in different settings, including universities, schools, correctional facilities, nightclubs, bars and a discotheque [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Factors which have been associated with serogroup C meningococcal infection are close contact with a case, preceding viral-like respiratory infections, crowded housing, alcohol consumption and active or passive smoking [4,[11][12][13][14].…”