Princeton to Begin Meningitis B Vaccinations

Princeton University is getting ready to administer the first doses of a vaccine against meningitis.

The Ivy League school has experienced an outbreak of type B meningococcal disease, which is sometimes life-threatening.

The vaccine for that particular strain is only licensed for use in Europe and Australia but not in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration is allowing for its limited use at Princeton.

University officials say the vaccine will be made available on campus from Dec. 9 through 12, to nearly 6,000 students. The second dose will be administered in February.

Since March seven Princeton students and one student visitor have been stricken by the bacterial illness.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that students living in dorms and certain employees receive the new vaccine.

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