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They vaccine may be covered under your wellness benefit. Contact the HWS Billing and Insurance Office, 509-335-3575, to see if you are eligible.

The reason is that the two infections were of the same subtype and both resistant to the vaccine. Had the two cases been of different subtypes or in unvaccinated individuals there would be less concern.

A graduate student living off campus but not in a high density situation is considered lower risk and does not need the vaccination.  If such student lives with lots of roommates and shares saliva with others then they should consider getting vaccinated.

Under normal circumstances the employees of WSU are not high risk and do not need to be vaccinated.  If the employee is in a high density living situation, shares saliva with others or is immunocompromised then yes they should obtain the vaccine.

WSU students can get the Menactra brand vaccine at Health and Wellness Services for about $144 per dose.

Every insurance plan has different coverage guidelines. You should check with your insurance provider to determine if your plan will cover the vaccine. For students who are vaccinated at HWS, we will bill the insurance provider or provide documentation to submit for reimbursement. We are in the process of developing a letter which can be used to support appeals or justification if your insurance plan requires this for coverage. If you have additional questions, please contact our billing and insurance staff at 509-335-3575

Smoking does not necessarily make someone more likely to get meningitis. However if you smoke in an environment where you are sharing a cigarette or smoking utensil such as a pipe or hookah, this may increase your risk. One way the meningococcal bacteria spread is through saliva. So sharing a cigarette, a cup, or an eating utensil can pass the bacteria.