Local colleges are prepared to deal with a new law requiring students entering Pennsylvania schools this fall to be vaccinated against meningitis.

Westminster College in New Wilmington, Thiel College in Greenville and Grove City College are all providing information to students about meningitis and offering vaccination clinics.

As well as requiring vaccinations against meningococcal disease, also known as meningitis, the law requires community, public and private colleges and universities that provide student housing to educate students on the risks associated with the disease, according to a news release from state Rep. Dick Stevenson, Grove City, R-8th District, who supported the bill.

"The College and University Student Vaccination Act is designed to prevent the outbreak of this devastating illness, which can cause brain damage if not detected and treated early," Stevenson said.

Students who live in dormitories or other student housing provided by a college or university are required to receive a one-time vaccination against meningococcal disease.

Students who do not receive a vaccination will be prohibited from residing in a dormitory or housing unit.

Westminster College students will be mailed information about the disease, how it spreads and how the vaccine can prevent it, along with a form each student has to sign, said Neal Edman, dean of student affairs. Students have to indicate if they've had the shot or when they plan to get one or if they are refusing the vaccination due to religious or other reasons.

Any student who does not return the signed form will not be permitted in the residence halls.

"They literally will not get the key to their room until they turn that in," Edman said.

The school will offer a meningitis vaccination clinic at the student health center on Aug. 28.

Thiel College is taking a similar approach. Students will receive pamphlets about meningitis and will be required to fill out a form indicating if they've had the shot, are refusing it, or plan to be vaccinated when the college holds a clinic Sept. 19, said Betsy Hildebrand, director of public relations.

Grove City College has held meningitis vaccination clinics for the past two years and plans to hold another one this fall, said Nancy Paxton, dean of student affairs. The college is also sending information to student's homes to inform them about the disease and the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Meningitis is an infection of spinal cord fluid, which also surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, learning disability or death.

The disease is contagious and is best treated through early detection and a regimen of antibiotics.

Common symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion and sleepiness. Symptoms can develop over several hours, or may take one to two days.

An educational institution must exempt any student for religious or other reasons, provided the institution gives the student detailed information about the risks of the disease and the availability and effectiveness of the vaccine.

The school is not required to pay for or provide vaccines, but is responsible for providing information to students about the disease, compiling documentation of vaccinations and collecting signed waiver forms.