The controversial vaccine for a bacterial form of meningitis has not — despite fears — threatened many students’ ability to attend local universities.
The vaccination, called for by Texas Senate Bill 107, was required for all Texas college students in 2012, unless they filed for an exemption due to religious objection or an exemption was requested for a medical reason.
The vaccine was hoped to protect students in close-knit collegiate communities from meningococcal meningitis, an often fatal form of the disease that causes swelling on the brain and spinal cord.
However, the vaccine’s expense, lack of availability and potential dangers to a fetus if taken while pregnant caused concern in critics that it would limit people’s ability to register for college.
Local college; however, reported turning no one away for failing to receive the vaccination
Kilgore College spokesman Chris Craddock said the college purchased 50 extra vaccines so the nurse could administer it for someone undergoing late registration,
“Most of our students had already received the shot and others signed the waiver form,” Craddock said. The school has dozens of vaccinations remaining after using only a few of their supply. read more…
