“The vaccine doesn’t provide public health protection,” said Matyas.
Currently required vaccinations, such as those against measles and polio, do prevent the further spread of the disease. Testing is currently underway in Britain on a meningitis vaccination that would also prevent individuals from spreading the disease.
If the testing proves the vaccination effective, it could be available in the United States in two years.
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While UHS will provide the vaccination to interested students, it is not included in the basic student health fee and must be paid for separately.
—Staff writer Daniel P. Mosteller can be reached at dmostell@fas.harvard.edu.