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Disease/Virus

Per Missouri Law, North Central Missouri College requires students who reside in on-campus housing to obtain a meningococcal vaccine or submit a signed statement for a religious or medical exemption.

If you are a residence hall student, please complete the Health History Form and attach proof of vaccination. If you would like to file an exemption, instructions are included.

More information regarding meningococcal disease can be found at:

If you would like to receive the meningococcal vaccine or have questions, please contact the Grundy County Health Department (660-359-4196), located at 1716 Lincoln Street in Trenton.

Many colleges require or strongly encourage that students get a meningococcal vaccine. Why?

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness and college students are at an increased risk for infection. This is likely due to lifestyle factors such as age (meningococcal disease is more commonly diagnosed among adolescents and young adults) and living in environments where large groups of people gather together, which can cause infectious disease to spread quickly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates:

Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness that is caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-ning-goh-KOK-us]. The illness most people are familiar with is meningococcal meningitis, which people sometimes just call meningitis. This usually means the lining of the brain and spinal cord have become infected with these bacteria. But these bacteria can also cause other severe illnesses, like bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).

Meningococcus bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., living in close quarters, kissing). Although it can be very serious, meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics that prevent severe illness and reduce the spread of infection from person to person. Quick medical attention is extremely important if meningococcal disease is suspected. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease. Maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not coming into close contact with people who are sick, can also help.