University of Colorado Student Government Legislative Council May 18, 2015 Sponsored by: Eileen Sherman Joseph Soto Director of City and Neighborhood Relations President of External Affairs Authored by: Boneth Ahaneku President of Internal Affairs A Resolution in Support of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Requiring Meningitis B Vaccinations for Incoming Students on College Campuses ________________________________________________________________________ Resolution History Meningitis is a rare infection of the area known as the meninges which cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis symptoms can easily be mistaken for the flu, but are serious and can lead to death and lifelong medical conditions not limited to loss of mental function, hearing and amputation of limb. This dangerous infection is especially prevalent on college campuses due to the close quarters and age of the students, as well as the social nature of campus. Currently, Colorado requires students attending its public universities to be educated and receive the meningitis vaccine. Unfortunately, this vaccine required by the state only covers four of the five strains of Meningitis. The strain not covered is Meningitis B which is the most deadly and requires a separate vaccine that only recently became available. At this time, the Meningitis B vaccination is not required. Meningitis B has been infecting students on college campuses due to the lack of vaccination and awareness of the disease and vaccine. University leaders across the nation are especially concerned because of recent deaths across the nation including, but not limited to, University of Oregon, Princeton University, San Diego State University, Drexel University, and Providence College. They are also concerned about Meningitis B because onefifth of all infections occur in young adults between 14-24, and because the close living quarters of their fellow college students creates ideal environments for the disease. ________________________________________________________________________ Resolution Summary Whereas, the health and well-being of our fellow students is of the utmost importance to The University of Colorado at Boulder’s Student Government (CUSG); and Whereas, the Federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) consists of medical and public health experts provide national recommendations for immunization use; and Whereas, Colorado and its public universities’ immunization policies often take direction from ACIP recommendations; and Whereas, Colorado’s policy on meningitis and vaccines are already strong, but could be enhanced by adding Meningitis B as a requirement; and Whereas, CUSG strives to be proactive about health issues on campus; and Whereas, vaccinations of the student body create a healthier campus environment and help prevent outbreaks of diseases; and Whereas, students living on college campuses are more susceptible to acquiring Meningitis due to close living quarters; and Whereas, one-fifth of all Meningitis infections occur in young adults between 14-24; _________________________________________________________ THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Government, that: Section 1: the needless loss of human potential, life, and/or limb, from Meningitis B can be prevented and recommends its students get vaccinated. Section 2: CUSG urges the ACIP to make policy changes that would require the vaccination of Meningitis B for incoming students on college campuses. Section 3: Upon passage of this resolution, representatives from CUSG will forward this resolution to ACIP prior to its June meeting in hope that such action will be a priority. Section 4: This resolution shall take effect upon passage by the Legislative Council and upon either obtaining the signature of two Tri-Executives or the lapse of six days without action by the Tri-Executives.