New state law requires meningitis vaccine for all college students - USA

A new state law goes into effect at the first of the year requiring all college students to get the meningitis vaccine before they enter school.

Parents and students need to know that as of Jan. 1, 2012 all first time and transferring college students under the age of 30 have to have written proof they’ve had the meningitis shot.
 
The state legislature has expanded a law that requires college students living in dorms to get the meningitis vaccine. Now everyone enrolling who is under the age of 30 has to prove they’ve had the shot in the last five years. In San Antonio, that’s thosuands of people on 31 campuses.
 
Bacterial meningitis is rare, but it can be debilitating and scary.
 
“It targets healthy young people who congregate together,” explained Dr. Thomas Schlenker, director of health for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. “And this is something that, of course, we see on college campuses.
 
Meningitis is transmitted when people exchange saliva. Activities that can increase the risk include kissing or sharing water bottles, eating utensils or cigarettes.
 
Health officials expect a rush for vaccines right before school. That’s why they want to get the word out now. If you’re heading to school or transferring schools, you’ve got a month to follow the law.
 
“We encourage people to visit their primary health care provider to get the vaccine,” said Anna Dragsbaek, president and CEO of The Immunization Partnership. “Do it sooner rather than later. There are no shortages that are expected. But we do expect there to be a rush for the vaccine right before school starts.”
 
The need for protection came into focus here last week. A 20-year-old Trinity University student studying abroad in London died of suspected meningitis.

Source: KENS5, San Antonio