Meningococcal Meningitis

Meningitis is a very serious bacterial disease and New York State public health Law 2167 requires that all degree-seeking students at a university or college receive information about it. The Meningitis Response Form is included in the series of health and medical forms.

Students should visit www.cooper.edu/healthforms as well for more information, due dates, requirements, and a list of required forms. 

All students must formally decide to do one of the following:

  • Receive the meningitis vaccination within thirty (30) days of the date next to their signature on the Meningitis Response Form; or
  • Indicate that they have received the meningococcal vaccine within the past ten years and attach the vaccine record; or
  • Decline receipt of the vaccination after receiving information about the meningococcal disease risks.

The meningitis vaccine is not required, but is strongly recommended for the following individuals:

  • College freshmen who are living in the dormitories and are living away from home for the first time
  • U.S. military
  • Anyone traveling in parts of the world where meningitis is common, e.g., Africa
  • Anyone whose spleen has been removed or damaged
  • Anyone who has a compromised immune system, e.g., because of HIV/AIDS or lupus
  • Any other adult wishing to reduce the risk of contracting meningococcal disease

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.