Published or Revised May 07, 2012
Beginning January, 2012, an entering student who has been admitted to an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education must show evidence of receipt of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster during the five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls at an institution, or following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester at the same or another institution.
A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis or evidence of receiving a booster dose if the student is 30 years of age or older or if the student is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses that don’t require proctored testing at PJC.
Acceptable evidence of vaccination or receiving a booster dose includes:
A student, or a parent or guardian of a student, is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, or a parent or guardian of a student, submits to the institution:
For new students at institutions of higher education NOT living or residing in on-campus housing, who wish to file an affidavit stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, the student may use the official Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s form (PDF). The student must print the form, have it notarized, and file it with the institution’s Registrar’s Office or other designated department or unit.
For new students living in on-campus housing, which includes student housing facilities located on the campus of an institution of higher education, such as dormitories, sorority and fraternity houses, privately owned residence halls, and apartments, the student must use the official Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) form. The DSHS form may be ordered electronically. It is then mailed from DSHS to the student and it may take up to two weeks to receive the form.
The DSHS form must be completed, notarized, and provided to the designated school official at the institution the student will be attending. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the DSHS form and have it notarized. Information about requesting the DSHS affidavit form is available here:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm#exclusions
All students should consult a physician about the need for immunization to prevent bacterial meningitis.
This information is being provided to all new college students in the State of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast — so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans every year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.
What are the Symptoms?
There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.