MSU has taken a sensible step toward improving the heath of its student body by requiring undergraduate students to report their vaccination history to Olin Heath Center before registering for classes.
Although the vaccinations are not required, beginning this fall, current and incoming freshmen will be required to complete the heath center's online Immunization Self-Report to indicate whether they've received vaccines for hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), tetanus/diptheria and meningococcus before they are allowed to enroll for classes.
Olin officials say the information collected from the reports will be kept confidential and will be used in the event of a disease outbreak to help track and inform unvaccinated students.
Students who wish not to disclose their vaccination history are asked to fill out a separate response form.
MSU officials should be commended for enhancing their efforts to express to students how important vaccinations are.
Since 1996, six cases of meningitis have been reported on campus and three have resulted in death. In 2001, MSU instrumental music senior Adam Busuttil, who survived his experience with the Y strain of bacterial meningitis in 1999, lobbied the Legislature to pass a mandatory vaccination law. The bill was revised by the House to encourage state universities to better inform students about the importance of being vaccinated.
In contrast, about 300 students were denied access to Penn State University residence halls and cafeterias because they failed to comply with a new state law requiring vaccination reports. Penn State students who wish not to be vaccinated must sign consent forms stating they understand the risk of their decision.
While it is understandable students might choose to save money by not receiving vaccinations that come with price tags ranging from $5 to $85, they should seriously consider the long-term outcome of short-term savings.
Clearly, when compared to the cost of a text book at a bookstore, vaccinations pack more value per dollar.
University environments are Club Med resorts for disease. The close-quarter living atmosphere is a harbor for the spread of sicknesses that are transmitted through bodily fluids by practices such as kissing and sharing utensils or toothbrushes.
It is imperative for the health of the university, and the individuals it enrolls, for students to make sure they take the precautions against deadly diseases that can be avoided. And MSU officials should continue their efforts to help students understand those needs.
It's a matter of life and death.
