Question

A nurse is planning to teach a community group about the meningococcal vaccine. The nurse should identity that which of the following clients should receive the vaccine?

Option 1:
A. Adults with a history of allergic reactions to vaccines.

Option 2:
B. Older adults with a previous meningococcal infection.

Option 3:
C. College students living in dormitories.

Option 4:
D. Individuals with a documented fear of needles.

Answer 1

The meningococcal vaccine is particularly recommended for college students residing in dormitories due to the increased risk of meningococcal meningitis outbreaks in close-quarter living arrangements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student question asks which group among the listed should receive the meningococcal vaccine. Among the options presented, the correct answer is Option 3: College students living in dormitories. College students residing in dorms are at a heightened risk for contracting meningococcal meningitis, particularly Neisseria meningitidis, which can cause outbreaks in close-quarter living situations due to its easy transmissibility. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically recommends prophylactic vaccination of first-year college students living in dorms to prevent such outbreaks. Despite the availability of antibiotic treatment, preventive vaccination is the best form of protection, with a recommended schedule of one dose at 11-12 years of age and a booster at age 16.