KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A state senator from Missouri has taken a big step in protecting your children as they head off to college. Gina Walsh is a Democrat from the St. Louis area and wants all incoming freshman to be vaccinated for meningitis.
Meningitis can be deadly and it can be spread quickly. Anyone can get it, but it’s seen mostly in children under one and young adults. Those who live on college campuses are more likely to get it.
The disease, which attacks the lining of the brain and your spinal cord, is preventable with vaccination. The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department starts vaccinating children as young as 11 years old. Right now it’s a recommended vaccine, not a required one. But considering how dangerous it can be, the public health nurse supervisor says it’s a good idea to get it.
“It is known to be spread through close contact, so definitely when you think about dormitory students and hygiene, yes it would be a good idea to make it mandatory,” Jelene Wynn said.
Some colleges and universities in Missouri ‘highly recommend’ its students get vaccinated. Senator Walsh wants to see Senate Bill 748 take the next step and make it mandatory.
If it doesn’t pass, the senator hopes parents will talk with their doctor’s and follow their advice. The health department works closely with local schools, like UMKC, to inform its students that it has vaccines available. The vaccines can come at no cost if you meet certain requirements.
