back to previous page    

Required Meningitis Vaccination

Printer Friendly Version

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Under the requirements of a new law recently enacted by the Texas State Legislature, students who are under 30 years of age and entering higher education in the spring of 2012 (and any semesters following) must demonstrate proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis.

An entering student is defined as a student new to higher education. Transfer and transient students from another college, or a student who has not been enrolled one fall or spring semester and is returning to WCJC, are also subject to this requirement. It is important to consult a physician about the need for the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease.

Not all students are required to show proof of the vaccination. Please read further for details about exemptions and how to opt out of showing proof of the vaccination.

• Students may elect not to take the vaccination by filing a Medical Exemption Affidavit or Certificate or a THECB Exemption from Immunizations for Bacterial Meningitis for Reasons of Conscience Form.

• Evidence of vaccination should be submitted to the WCJC Office of Admissions and Registration. Vaccinations (or boosters) must have been received within the past five (5) years and no later than 10 days prior to the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls. A WCJC Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Record Form must be completed and submitted along with vaccination records or a Medical Exemption Affidavit of Certificate or a THECB Exemption from Immunizations for Bacterial Meningitis for Reasons of Conscience Form.

For further information, or to ask any questions, please contact the Office of Admissions and Registration at:

800-561-WCJC (9252), ext. 6303 or (979) 532-6303.

Exemptions

Wharton County Junior College students who are currently enrolled and planning on returning for their next consecutive semester will NOT be required to submit proof of vaccination.

Exemptions allowed by law are:

• Students 30 years of age or older by the first day of the semester

• Students enrolled only in online courses or other distance education programs

• Students enrolled in dual credit classes on a high school campus

• Students enrolled in adult basic education (ABE) courses

• Students enrolled in continuing education or corporate study courses

• Students enrolled in programs of less than 360 contact hours

• Students incarcerated in a Texas prison

Evidence of Vaccination

Evidence of vaccination must:

1.  Be submitted along with a completed WCJC Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Record Form, which can be found on the college website (wcjc.edu), under the Office of Admissions and Registration, or on page 4 of this document.

2.  Include month, day and year of vaccination and verify that vaccinations (or boosters) were received at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester and within the past 5 years.

3.  Include one of the following:

            • A completed WCJC Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Record Form bearing the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee.

            • An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority.

            • An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state.

Evidence to Decline Vaccination

A student, or a parent or guardian of a student, is not required to submit evidence of receiving a vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, or a parent or guardian of a student, submits evidence to decline the vaccination to the institution.

Evidence to decline the vaccination can be either:

1.  A Medical Exemption Affidavit or Certificate signed by a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. in which it states that in the physician’s opinion it would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student to receive the required vaccination.

2.   Conscientious Objection form for student NOT LIVING IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

For new students (age 18 years or older) at institutions of higher education and 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, accessible from the website at the following link:
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/2602.PDF?CFID=29062469&CFTOKEN=55962096
The student must print the form, have it notarized, and file it with the Office of Admissions and Registration

All students need to consult with a physician about the need for immunization to prevent this disease.

About the Disease

Bacterial meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is easily spread by direct contact, or by droplets of respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, kissing and mouth to mouth resuscitation.) It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each 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. Bacterial meningitis symptoms are often confused with the common flu. However, the symptoms can progress rapidly and lead to long-term severe health problems or death.

For more information see the following :

The Center for Disease Control

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Information Sheet on Bacterial Meningitis

How to Submit

Evidence of Vaccination or Evidence to Decline Vaccination should be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registration before the first day of the semester. All documents should be mailed, faxed, emailed or hand-delivered to the Office of Admissions and Registration. If hand-delivering, please deliver the documents to the registration area on the campus you will be attending.

Hand Delivery

Vaccination Locations

Bacterial meningitis vaccinations may be available through your personal physician or at the local facilities listed below. Please call all pharmacies and facilities in advance to schedule an appointment to verify the availability of the vaccine.

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services 281-238-3233

Matagorda Episcopal Health Outreach Program 979-245-2008

HEB in Wharton 979-282-2773

Walgreens locations in Fort Bend County (services not available at Wharton County locations)

The IMUnization Clinic/Southwest IMU Clinic 281-313-7468

QUESTIONS:

Contact the Office of Admissions and Registration at (979) 532-6303

Make a copy of your immunization documentation for your records. WCJC does not provide copies of immunization record submissions.

Visit www.legis.state.tx.us to learn more information on Texas State Senate Bill (SB) 4189.