MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2003 Regular Session
To: Universities and Colleges; Public Health and Welfare
By: Senator(s) Burton
AN ACT TO REQUIRE STUDENTS WHO RESIDE IN UNIVERSITY ON-CAMPUS HOUSING TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST MENINGITIS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, an individual enrolled in an institution of higher learning who resides in on-campus student housing shall be vaccinated against meningitis. Provided, however, an individual is exempt from vaccination if, after receiving detailed information from the institution of higher learning on the risks associated with meningitis and the availability and effectiveness of available vaccine, the individual signs a written waiver stating that he/she has received and reviewed the information and has chosen not to be vaccinated; or, if the individual is a minor, the parent or guardian signs such waiver.
(2) Nothing in this act shall be construed to require any institution of higher learning to provide or pay for vaccinations against meningitis.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.