Rhode Island College Launches Meningitis Vaccination Program
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Catherine Yeulet/iStock/Thinkstock(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) — A college in Rhode Island is offering free meningitis vaccines after two students were hospitalized with the potentially deadly virus.
Providence College started the program over the weekend.
Dr. Michael Fine, director of Rhode Island’s Department of Health, said the vaccine comes in three doses.
“It’s important that everyone complete that entire series, and we’ll be working with the college to make sure that’s doable,” he said.
Fine added that students can easily protect themselves against the potentially deadly disease.
“Things like not sharing drinking bottles, not sharing towels or tooth brushes, or lip gloss; not doing anything where saliva can be shared,” said Fine.
Bobby Arruda, a senior at the college, said he’s taking the college up on the offer.
“I actually live off-campus so I don’t live in the dorm-style housing anymore but, interactions with any student who does and interaction with so many students here, it’s just as much of a risk to go without the vaccine,” said Arruda.
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