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Meningitis Shot a Must for Some Students in Missouri

UM-St. Louis is among those universities where the vaccine requirement applies. (KWMU file photo)
UM-St. Louis is among those universities where the vaccine requirement applies. (KWMU file photo)

By AP/KWMU

St. Louis, MO – Some students headed to public universities in Missouri this month might also be getting a meningitis vaccination.

A new state law requires all students who live on-campus to either get a shot for the bacterial infection or sign a statement refusing the shot. Students won't be able to register for class until they do one or the other.

Lawmakers enacted the law after a student at Northwest Missouri State University died of meningitis two years ago.

Meningitis is spread by direct contact with someone who carries the bacteria and can also be transferred through saliva.

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