LIVONIA, Mich., Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A group of nurses in Michigan is pioneering an innovative way to protect college students against a potentially fatal form of bacterial meningitis.
The Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan, responding to the fact that 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal meningitis occur on college campuses each year, is hosting group immunizations for students, ABC News reported Wednesday.
Known as "shot parties," they last about 90 minutes, include snacks, music, socializing a health lecture and an immunization, which costs $85.
"I think the kids love it. It's more of a comfortable environment for them," said nurse Kay Renny, the VNA's manager of community programs. "They really have a lot of fun."
The Southeast Michigan VNA is the only Visiting Nurse Associations of America member offering immunization parties. It has hosted five since coming up with the idea last year.
between 5 percent and 15 percent of all cases of meningococcal meningitis are fatal. The disease also can leave victims brain-damaged, deaf or in need of an amputation.
