You may remember Texas A&M Student Nico Williams suddenly dying from meningitis back in February.

He lived off campus, and wasn't required to get a meningitis vaccination like those who live in on campus.

But that's about to change for all colleges in the state.

It's a new law meant to save lives like Nico's.

Meningitis took 20-year-old Nicolis Williams' life so fast, it came as a shock to family and friends.

His father Greg worked with the legislature this year to require all incoming college students in Texas to get the vaccine.

Before that time only students living in dorms had to get the shot.

"They've never had to do this before but it's a worthwhile effort it really is if it can save just one life I think it's a fantastic deal for the State of Texas," said Greg Williams.

In fact the Brazos County Health Department is now offering the vaccines for $5 for those 18 and under and $15 for those 19 and up.

"Bacterial Meningitis is a bacterial disease that is can be difficult to get but once you get it, it moves very rapidly and it's hard to detect because most people feel that they have the flu," said Julie Anderson, the Director of Community Health Services at the Brazos County Health Department.

Anderson encourages entering college students to get vaccinated now to beat an anticipated rush.

"Then again rare. But if it's something we can prevent with an immunization that's likely that we should go on and do that," she said.

The vaccine is also available at places like your family doctor, and even the pharmacy.

At Texas A&M the cost for the vaccine is $125. Doctors there say the high price is because of several factors including pharmaceutical research and manufacturing costs.

Cheaper options are available around town with insurance.

For Greg Williams and his family it's peace of mind they wish they could have had.

"We're the first state in the union that has such a law on the books so it's a tremendous, tremendous effort," Williams said.

Starting in January all entering college students in Texas will have to get the shots, or have their parents sign an affidavit refusing the vaccine.

And doctors say the vaccine lasts about five years and a booster is recommended after that if you plan to be in a high-risk environment.