Topeka ? More college students will be required to obtain meningitis vaccinations or sign a waiver saying they refuse under a new policy adopted by the state Board of Regents.

The policy will apply to all incoming students who will live in dormitories or other housing operated by the six state universities, starting in the fall of 2006. About 14,000 students live in such housing, or about 16 percent of those enrolled.

Ten months ago, Kansas University became the first college in the state to adopt such a policy. Three others followed – Wichita State University, Emporia State University and Fort Hays State University.

Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University encourage students to get the vaccine but do not require it.

The board’s new policy, approved during a meeting last week, is a response to a recommendation in May from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that all incoming college freshmen be vaccinated.

“Once the CDC issued a new meningitis recommendation, the board felt strongly that it should take a more aggressive approach to combating this potentially fatal disease,” said board President Reggie Robinson.

The National Meningitis Assn. lists 24 states, including Colorado, Iowa, Missouri and Oklahoma, with laws outlining similar policies.

In August, an autopsy listed viral meningitis as the probable cause of death for University of Missouri linebacker Aaron O’Neal, who collapsed during a preseason workout.

Last year, a Wichita State University student died at home from the disease. A KU student, Andy Marso, was in a coma for two weeks and had both feet and most of both hands amputated.

Bacterial meningitis, which inflames membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, affects about 3,000 Americans each year, according to the CDC. Between 100 and 125 cases are reported on college campuses each year.