AUSTIN, Texas—Before freshman and new students are allowed to move into Texas college dormitories next month, they will be required to get the bacterial meningitis vaccine, according to state law.
The law, which went into effect Jan. 1, requires that all new students who live on campus at public and private universities be vaccinated 10 days before moving into the dorms, reports Chron.com. There are roughly 1,500 cases of bacterial meningitis in the United States every year, according to the Texas Medical Association.
College students are at a higher risk of contracting the disease because of the close living quarters of dorm life. Bacterial meningitis is spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks or utensils, kissing and other close contact. Initial symptoms are similar to the flu; however, it can turn fatal within 24 hours.
The required vaccine protects against four of the five common strains of the illness.
Additionally, school-aged children are required to get vaccinated starting in the seventh grade.
