Yale student confirmed with meningitis B, vaccine to be offered Tuesday

In a follow-up to a report one week ago, Yale University officials say the type of meningitis identified in an infected student is meningitis B.

Laboratory testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now confirmed that the student tested positive for a form of meningitis known as serogroup B meningococcal disease. Most cases of serogroup B meningococcal disease occur sporadically, and a single case does not mean there is an outbreak on campus.

Connecticut state law requires that students in residential settings be vaccinated against meningococcal disease, but the vaccine that most of our students receive does not protect against serogroup B meningococcal disease. There is, however, a newer form of vaccine that does cover serogroup B. With a single case on campus, federal, state, and local health officials do not recommend mass vaccinations, but we are prepared to offer the new vaccine to anyone in the Yale community who wishes to be vaccinated.

The new vaccine requires two inoculations, with the second occurring at least one month after the first. Anyone can get the vaccine at Yale Health, and it will be a covered expense for those students with Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty coverage, and employees insured by Yale Health. Those who have other health insurance should be aware that the total cost of both inoculations is $256.00, if not covered by their private insurance.

Yale Health has ordered the vaccine and will begin providing it to anyone in the Yale community beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17. Please call 203-432-0076 to schedule an appointment.