Meningitis Vaccinations
Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Required - Effective Jan. 1, 2012
Requirements
The 82nd Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1107, requiring all new COM students under the age of 30 to submit evidence of being immunized against meningococcal meningitis.
The meningitis vaccination (MV) requirement applies to:
- All first-time freshmen;
- All new transfer students;
- All new and returning continuing education students, who did not attend classes in fall 2011;
- All returning students, who did not attend classes in fall 2011
Deadlines
An MV record administered within the five-year period immediately preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first semester enrolled or re-enrolled must be submitted to COM's Registrar Office. Required MV Documentation is listed below.
At least one of the following must be faxed, mailed or submitted to the Registrar's Office:
- Certification from a physician or clinic that the student has been vaccinated during the five-year period immediately preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class;
- An immunization record from a state or local health authority or an official record received from school officials (must be within five years).
The information will be maintained in the Records Office in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and the Health and Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Note: Students who fail to submit required MV documents will be restricted from registering for classes.
Extensions
Under justifiable circumstances, the Registrar may grant an individual student an extension to extend the compliance date to no more than 10 days after the first day of the semester.
Limited Exceptions/Exemptions
The following students are not required to submit an MV:
- Students who are 30 years old or older;
- Students with a signed affidavit or certificate from a physician that states the vaccination would be injurious to the health of the student;
- Students who sign an affidavit stating that the student declines the MV for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State and Health Services must be used;
More Information About Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningitis, also called the meninges, is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. More information about the causes, symptoms, types, risks, and seriousness, as well as ways to prevent meningococcal meningitis, are available through the following links (All links open in a new window):