Twelve hundred students who live in dorms are in violation of a state meningococcal vaccination law, a Penn State official said.

Those in violation have not yet filed the paperwork to prove they have received a meningococcal vaccination or signed the official abstention waiver.

"The law says that students aren't allowed to live on campus without the meningitis vaccine, so we'll be notifying them several times this semester," Lynn DuBois, assistant director of housing, said.

Students can also sign a written exemption stating that they received the form and information but have decided against receiving the vaccination due to religious, medical or personal reasons.

The forms must be filed by the first day of the spring semester at the latest. Students who do not comply will not be allowed to live in dorms, DuBois said. At that point, these students will be addressed individually at their residences. If they fail to complete the form that day, they will have to vacate their rooms.

Housing has already sent out letters and e-mails to students who still need to turn in the form. The notices also included information about a vaccination clinic that is being sponsored by University Health Services (UHS) and VACCESSHealth on Nov. 6.

The forms were originally sent out in early August and the Office of Housing requested they be returned before arrival day.

The new requirement is part of the College and University Student Vaccination Act, which was passed in June.

DuBois added that students who wish to have the vaccination but haven't yet, can file the signed waiver now and change it later, after they have record of getting the shot.

Ellen Nagy, UHS marketing manager, said that even though the vaccine does not protect against all types of bacterial meningitis, it should still reduce the number of cases on campus.

"It will offer some protection because students living in close proximity with other students run a greater risk," she said.

However, some students don't think the vaccine is worth the trouble.

Jen Najarian (freshman-communications) chose to sign the waiver instead of getting vaccinated.

"[I signed the waiver] because the shot doesn't protect against all forms of meningitis," she said. "It was a big hassle and it just seemed easier to sign the form."

Robert Jannicelli (freshman-finance) also decided to opt out of the vaccination requirement, largely due to the cost. He has no plans of getting the shot, either.

"[Meningitis] isn't really a big deal, is it? I mean, it's pretty rare," he said.

For students who do want to get the injection, the clinic will run from noon to 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 in HUB Alumni Hall and will offer the meningococcal vaccination for $85. The recommended influenza vaccine will also be available for $19. Students should have a valid student ID with them because the vaccinations must be charged to their student accounts.

"It's good to be able to give students the option of getting the vaccine because of the health risks involved," DuBois said.