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College freshman required to get meningitis vaccine

July 28, 2010 - Students moving into dorm rooms in Texas will need to get an additional vaccine before schools starts.

Bacterial meningitis can be a fatal disease, and Texas colleges will be taking no further risks against it, reported the Associated Press. A state law went into effect on January 1 that would require freshman to get the meningitis vaccine, but this Fall will bring the first batch of freshman who will need to prove they've been vaccinated at least 10 days before moving day. Last year, the state began requiring that students in seventh grade get vaccinated as well.

College students are at a higher risk for developing the disease because it thrives in close quarters like dorm rooms and spreads through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or other close contact, said the report. Early symptoms are similar to the flu and can spread rapidly, sometimes turning fatal within 24 hours, Dr. Donald Murphrey told the AP. Officials at Texas A&M said that they will not release a student's room assignment until they've received a doctor's note proving the student has been vaccinated.

Students can also avoid getting sick by not sharing drinks with a roommate who's fallen ill.

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