WCJC is dedicated to the health and safety of all of our students, employees, and guests. Find support and access resources to stay healthy and safe on and off campus.
WCJC is committed to providing you with a quality education in an environment that
promotes their overall health and safety. Moreover, we remain committed to our faculty
and staff, who continue to instruct, serve, and support our students throughout this
difficult time. Pioneers can #PreventtheSpread by:
Please continue to regularly check for updates to College protocols and procedures regarding our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consider these immunizations to prevent the spread of disease and maintain the health and well-being of yourself and those around you.
For more information on immunizations, call the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Immunization Division at 1-800-252-9152.
Bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely quickly. It is easily spread by direct contact, or by droplets of respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, kissing, and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation). 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. Although treatment is available, 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.
Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis.
Risks associated with vaccines include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot is given, tiredness, fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, fever, chills, nausea, or diarrhea can happen after meningococcal B vaccination. Some of these reactions occur in more than half of the people who receive the vaccine.
Texas Senate Bill 1107 requires all students entering an institution of higher education, who are 21 years of age or younger, to demonstrate proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. Vaccinations must have been received within the previous five (5) years, and no later than 10 days prior to the first day of the semester.
For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control website.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV damages your immune system, making it easier for you to get sick. If HIV is left untreated, it can wreak havoc on a person’s immune system, making the body less able to fight off infections. According to the CDC, about 1.5 million adults and teens are living with HIV infection in the U.S. You cannot have AIDS without being infected with HIV, but people can, and do, live long lives (on treatment) with HIV and never develop AIDS.
How does HIV Spread?
HIV is carried in semen, vaginal fluids, anal mucus, blood and breast milk, and most people contract HIV through anal or vaginal sex or sharing needles syringes. HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or tears. It is not spread through casual contact like hugging, holding hands, coughing or sneezing. And you can’t get it from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools or insect bites.
If you know you’ve been exposed to HIV, the best way to feel confident in your status is to get tested. HIV can’t be cured, but it can be controlled and much of the damage from the infection can be reversed or prevented. However, if HIV is left untreated, serious infections and cancers occur because of the weakened immune system.
HIV Prevention
There are many ways to prevent the spread of HIV. Using condoms every time you have sex and not sharing needles can help protect you and your partners from HIV. If you don’t have HIV, there is also a daily medication called PrEP that can protect you from HIV.
How is HIV Treated?
According to HIV.gov, there is not an effective cure at this time. But, HIV can be controlled with antiretroviral therapy, and if done correctly, this therapy could prolong the lives of those diagnosed with HIV.
WCJC Policy Regarding Communicable Diseases
WCJC does not discriminate in enrollment against any student solely on the grounds that the student has a communicable disease. A student may not be denied access to College facilities, programs, functions or activities solely on the grounds that the student has a communicable disease. However, if the College makes a medically based determination that the restriction is necessary for the welfare of the person who has the communicable disease and/or the welfare of the campus community, WCJC reserves the right to exclude a person with a communicable disease from College facilities, programs, functions or activities.
It is critical that everyone understand the nature of this communicable disease and how it is transmitted. For additional information, call one of the following AIDS hotlines:
