University students are at high risk for transmittable diseases, according to the UNM Student Health Center.
Five hundred and forty-eight students walked into the Student Health Center's Allergy and Immunization Clinic during the month of August and received an immunization, said Nikki Beneke, a registered nurse at the center.
UNM does not require, but recommends, all incoming UNM students receive meningitis, tetanus, measles, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations.
Meningitis is the swelling of the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria. It afflicts 1 in 100,000 people, according to the center.
Thirty-one states have laws requiring students to have the vaccine - that does not include New Mexico.
Meningitis is more common in the college environment, afflicting 3.2 in 100,000 college
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students.
Symptoms include fever, intense headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and rashes.
Untreated bacterial meningitis can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure, loss of limbs and death.
Beneke could not recall a case of meningitis at UNM and added UNM has not had an outbreak of the small pox since the late '80s.
A meningitis vaccine costs $94 at the health center.
The UNM Health Center also offers vaccinations for chicken pox, the flu, polio and pneumonia.
Staff at the health center's allergy and immunization clinic said they are concerned students are not keeping up with their immunization records because so many UNM students are non-traditional.
"It is important that students come by and take a look at their immunization records and seek advice about additional vaccinations," Beneke said.
UNM has no way of enforcing vaccinations. More flu shots are given to UNM faculty than students every year.
People can take preventative measures to avoid contracting a disease.Students should be cautious of sharing food and drink, and should strive to maintain good hygiene, diet and sleeping habits, especially in the dorms, she said.
"It all depends on how hard you try to keep the dorm atmosphere healthy," said Mike Petersen, a UNM junior who lived in the dorms for two years. "The school does not regulate how clean they are."
If students take care of themselves and receive immunizations, they will be less likely to become ill, Beneke said.
"Immunizations are important because when you move into the dorms with a bunch of new strange people, it affects your health," Petersen said.
Staff in front of the Student Health Center will provide $10 Hepatitis A and B vaccinations today from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. No appointments are necessary.
