| 1805. |
An outbreak occurs in Geneva, Switzerland, leading to the first reports of the yet-to-be-named disease.17 |
| 1887. |
The bacteria which causes meningococcal meningitis (Neisseria meningitidis) is identified.17 |
| 1900 - 1910. |
In the first decade of the 20th century, 75 to 80 percent of people contracting meningococcal meningitis died from the disease.18 |
| 1944. |
The newly-invented drug penicillin is used to treat patients with meningococcal meningitis.19 |
| 1978. |
The first vaccine that protects against meningococcal meningitis is introduced. |
| 1982. |
The US Army vaccinates all recruits against meningococcal disease.13 |
| 1990's. |
The medical community recognizes that teens and young adults are at increased risk for meningococcal disease.13 |
| 1997. |
The American College Health Association (ACHA) recommends that colleges and universities inform all students and their parents about the risk of meningococcal disease. The ACHA also states that these schools should make sure all students have access to the vaccine.13 |
| 1999. |
Vaccination is required by all four US military academies.13 |
| 2000. |
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that colleges and universities inform all students and their parents about the risk of meningococcal disease and the availability of a vaccine.20
Maryland becomes the first state to require college students living on campus to either receive meningococcal vaccination or sign a waiver stating they have been told the risk and have refused the vaccine.20 |
| 2003. |
New York becomes the first state to extend "vaccine or waiver" laws to cover summer camps and high schools.21 |
| 2005. |
The FDA licenses a new meningococcal vaccine.
ACIP recommends meningococcal vaccine for 11 to 12-year olds, students entering high school, and college freshmen living in dorms.15 |
