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Another 625 Get Vaccine for Meningitis

Posted on: Sunday, 26 February 2006, 18:00 CST

Another 625 get vaccine for meningitis

LAFAYETTE Public health officials this week administered another 625 meningitis vaccinations in Acadiana, the state Department of Health and Hospitals announced Friday.

That comes on top of 4,784 vaccinations given to students last week in a campaign to prevent the spread of the disease among the student population.

Seven cases of meningitis or related infections have been reported in Acadiana in the past month five linked to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and two of those fatal.

The vaccination campaign targeted all ULL dormitory residents and students up to age 23. Most students received the vaccine at a public health center set up on campus last week.

Area public health clinics administered 417 additional vaccinations this week to students in the target group and children ages 11-18, and the ULL Health Center administered another 208 shots, according to figures from DHH. Bacterial meningitis, a rare and sometimes fatal disease, is spread through activities that result in the exchange of saliva, such as kissing or sharing food, lipstick, drinks or cigarettes.

Source: Advocate; Baton Rouge, La.

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