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Make Vaccine Mandatory

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2007

Regarding 'USF Officials Urge Calm After Meningitis Infects Student' (Metro, Sept. 24):

As an 18-year-old student, I am all too familiar with the tragedy of the USF undergraduate with sepsis. I was diagnosed with meningococcal disease with sepsis and due to early recognition by my doctors, was lucky enough to survive without any disfigurement or long-term problems.

Meningococcal sepsis is a grave risk to all college students. They need to be reminded that a headache, fever and stiff neck can be symptoms of a life-threatening infection and a doctor should be contacted at once. A vaccine is available but underused. Our state university guidelines require vaccination or a waiver for only residential students.

While the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, as a sepsis survivor I strongly urge that this vaccine be made mandatory for all college students unless there is a medical contraindication. Our university should lead the way in protecting students.

KAELEY HAMILTON

Temple Terrace

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