MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Immunization groups and the mother of a student who died from bacterial meningitis are urging the University of Wisconsin-Madison to require the meningitis B vaccine.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that a coalition sent letters this month to universities, asking campuses to join Indiana University and Purdue University in the vaccination requirement.

UW-Madison’s University Health Services says the university won’t be requiring the shot but urges students to consult their doctors about the vaccine.

Gail Bailey’s son died from the rare but potentially fatal disease in 2002 while he was a student at UW-Madison. She says immunizations are worth it even if it saves just one life.

Health officials say students have an increased rise of acquiring bacterial meningitis because they tend to share food and drink.