Bill Requiring Meningitis Immunization Passes House
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MARTIN, Tenn. – Before stepping onto the campus of UT Martin this fall, new students may have to head to the doctor for a new requirement that state lawmakers say will save lives. Today, the Tennessee House passed a bill 94-1 that could help prevent another death like Jacob Nunley’s, who died last year less than 24 hours after contracting the disease. “In the case of bacterial meningitis, a very serious disease and sometimes deadly, it’s the best thing we can do for our students,” said UT Martin Director of Media Relations Bud Grimes. The bill is named after Nunley. And to some, adding this vaccination to a college checklist just makes sense. “I think as a parent I’m going to be reassured that my student, their first time on campus, is going to be protected the best way we know how,” said Grimes. Many students say they are glad to see the bill being pushed forward because they think the impact will be great for the school. “I think it’s a really good idea. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” said student Allyssa Curtis. “There are so many infections that you can get from just being in college, that I think it would be good,” said student Katelyn Sego. Sego was a friend of Nunley and was crushed when she learned of his death. She believes this bill would make campuses both safer and healthier. “You can do stuff on campus and be involved with other people and know that if someone else had it, you would possibly be okay,” said Sego. The bill now heads to Governor Haslam’s desk, where it looks to be signed into law.
