Shot Parties for Students — A Good Idea?
Aug. 11, 2004 -- Corinne Czekaj doesn't like shots. But after hearing reports earlier this year about meningococcal meningitis, the 17-year-old knew she had to get vaccinated before starting college this fall.
Meningococcal meningitis, a form of bacterial meningitis, infects the spinal cord and brain, and can lead to brain damage, deafness and amputation of limbs. The American College Health Association says 100 to 125 cases occur on college campuses each year, and 5 percent to 15 percent of those cases are fatal.
College freshmen living in dormitories are six times more likely to get bacterial meningitis, according to the National Meningitis Association, so it's recommended that students be vaccinated before they move into the dorms.
But Czekaj didn't have to head to a clinic to get the shot. Her mother, with the help of the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan, threw an "immunization party" at their Livonia, Mich., home.
Party Time
Immunization parties are a way the VNA is making college-bound students aware of meningococcal meningitis while offering an enjoyable setting for those who might be reluctant to face the needle.
"I think the kids love it. It's more of a comfortable environment for them," said nurse Kay Renny, VNA's manager of community programs. "They really have a lot of fun."
The Southeast Michigan VNA is currently the only Visiting Nurse Associations of America member offering immunization parties. It has hosted five parties since coming up with the idea last year.
The idea was a solution to a parent's problem of being unable to bring her child to the clinic for a shot. The VNA said it would make a house call if the parent could gather at least 15 teens interested in getting the shot.
Czekaj says her friends were skeptical about the party at first, but then realized it was more convenient than going to a clinic farther away from home.
"At first they thought it was weird when I told them the party was at my house. But when they got there they thought it was much easier," she said.
Only a table, two chairs and a garbage can are needed to have a party. Parents hosting the 1 ½ hour-long event may also provide snacks for the teens.
During the party, a nurse discusses the disease and vaccine. Other safety precautions such as hand washing and avoiding drugs and alcohol are also discussed.
Then it's shot time. Each shot costs $85. Some insurance companies reimburse the cost.
The nurse distributes information sheets and consent forms to fill out. The form is used to screen teens to make certain they do not have any health issues that may disqualify them from getting the vaccination.
Spread Through Kissing, Coughing
Meningococcal meningitis is spread by the exchange of saliva through kissing coughing, or sharing utensils. It can also be transmitted through other kinds of close contact, such as sharing cigarettes and beer glasses.
Immunization can prevent up to 80 percent of meningococcal meningitis in teenagers and young adults, according to the NMA.
The shot is considered safe. One dose can provide three to five years of protection. Doctors also recommend a booster shot for students traveling abroad.
Because it is safe, Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the department of preventative medicine at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., recommends that upperclassmen as well as college freshmen take advantage of the vaccine.
Jean Ellis, VNA of America's vice president of member services and business development, also urges students who commute to campus to consider the shot as well since commuting students may be hanging out with friends who live in dorms.
Schaffner says avoiding possibly risky situations can prevent the disease, but for students this may not be a practical option.
"Telling students not to do that stuff is kind of silly," he said.
"So what is left? The answer is clear. Get the vaccine."
Meningococcal meningitis, although rare, can cause serious harm. Symptoms often can go unrecognized until it is too late. Early symptoms are similar to those of the flu — high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting.
The disease can suddenly escalate into more serious symptoms.
"It can begin in a very mild and insidious fashion," remarks Schaffner. "Unfortunately, rather rapidly, inflammation can progress and the person can feel sleepy and slip into a coma."
This may prove dangerous for college students because these symptoms, particularly sleepiness, might be mistaken by friends and family as part of the student lifestyle.
"College students sleep at odd hours and sometimes at great lengths. And they may not be missed by their friends," said Schaffner.
Summer is an ideal time for students to get vaccinated because they may make less of an effort to get the shot when college starts, and they're busy, says Renny.
Plus, the vaccine can take two weeks to work.
Shots Mandatory in Only a Handful of States
Renny says most doctors do not routinely give the shot because it isn't required in most states. Currently, only Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut require that college students be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. If the student declines to have the shot, the student (if an adult) or parent must sign a waiver.
Although Michigan isn't one of those states, Czekaj wanted to be immunized before starting classes at Finlandia University in Michigan's Upper Peninsula this fall.
Her mother, Terry Caekaj, found the party to be a very convenient way to ensure that her daughter will be protected from the disease.
Caekaj says having the party kept her from having to drive around looking for a clinic. She also thinks immunization parties at friends' homes provide a calm space for teens who may be squeamish about shots.
"The friends could see each other and they got to chit-chat," she said. "And it was more comfortable because the kids were like, 'Well [my friends] are doing it, so it's no big deal.' "
ABC News' Megan Ogilvie contributed to this report.