Vaccinations: Not Just for Babies Anymore.

• Position: Brief Article

When the subject of immunizations comes up, we tend to think of the shots given to infants and young children.

However, a new recommendation for a vaccine against meningitis may focus legislative attention during the 2000 session on immunization for young adults.

Arkansas adopted legislation in 1999 (H2136) requiring colleges and universities to advise students and their parents about the risks of meningitis and that a vaccine is available.

The law resulted from two studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluding that freshmen college students, especially those living in dorms, are at modestly increased risk of getting meningitis compared with other people their age.

Approximately 3,000 cases of bacterial meningitis occur each year and between 10 percent and 13 percent are fatal, even with proper treatment. An additional 10 percent of those infected suffer severe complications such as mental retardation or loss of limbs. Last year 88 cases occurred, killing eight students. With the availability of a vaccine, families and policymakers alike face choices.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that incoming college students receive information about the vaccine and the benefits it can provide. The American College Health Association also recommends that health services take a more...