College students may need to think about more than classes and dorm decorations this fall. The Minnesota Department of Health is recommending that college freshman be vaccinated for meningococcal diseases, such as meningitis, said Carol Weis, director of clinic nursing at Austin Medical Center.

Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings, which can also cause blood infections, according to the Austin Medical Center.

About 2,600 people get a meningococcal disease each year in the United States and 10 percent to 15 percent of those infected die despite treatment. College students, especially those living in dorms, have a slightly greater risk for contracting the disease, according to AMC.

"Based on studies in 1998, those individuals were at a slightly high risk for contracting meningitis," Weis said of college freshmen.

Some colleges are requiring the vaccination for college freshman this year, said Lisa Kocer, nursing supervisor for Mower County Public Health said. The Department of Health has asked colleges to recommend it.

Riverland Community College does not require the vaccine for its students. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system tells Riverland whether to recommend it.

"We recommend that students talk to their physician about immunizations," said Linda Kohl, MnSCU associate vice chancellor for public affairs.

MnSCU doesn't require for colleges in its system to recommend it because most of its students do not live in dormitories, Kohl said.

Public Health does not have the vaccine available, but students can ask pediatricians at Austin Medical Center about the vaccine. Weis said she did not know the cost of vaccinations.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com