Adolescents and young adults have an increased incidence of
meningococcal disease compared to the general population, accounting
for nearly 30 percent of all U.S. cases annually. However,
the majority of cases among adolescents may be vaccine-preventable.
The disease is especially significant among college students,
since studies show freshmen living in dorms are particularly
vulnerable to meningococcal disease. Adolescents and young
adults may be at increased risk for infection due to certain
lifestyle factors, such as:
Crowded living conditions (such as dormitories, boarding
schools and sleep-away camps)
Moving to a new residence
Attendance at a new school with students from geographically diverse areas
Sharing beverages or utensils
Going to bars
Active or passive smoking
Irregular sleeping patterns
Other risk groups include infants and young children, refugees,
household contacts of case patients and military personnel.
