Meningitis vaccination required for TSU students
Beginning January 1, 2012, all students attending the university for the first time and any student returning to the university following a break in enrollment, of at least one fall or spring semester, will be required to have the meningitis vaccination or an approved exemption prior to attending classes. To meet the immunization requirement, the student must provide proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis during the five year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of classes. Students are also encouraged to consult with a physician about the need for the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease.
Acceptable forms of evidence of vaccination must include the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel on a form which shows the month, day and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered. Acceptable forms include 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, a record from a health practitioner who is authorized by law to administer a vaccination.
A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis or evidence of receiving the booster if:
- the students is 30 years of age or older (by the first day of classes)
- the student is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses
- the student is enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training
- the student is enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located in a higher education institiution campus
Choose from the following options to submit a copy of your health and immunization record(s), write your name, TSU Student ID, and date of birth on each page you submit:
- E-MAIL: Scan and email your documentation to vaccines@tsu.edu
- FAX: 713-313-7817
- MAIL: Texas Southern University, Student Health Center, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, Texas 77004
- HAND DELIVER: to the Student Health Center located on Tierwester, behind Lanier East
International Students must provide a certified english translation for all health and immunization records. If you have questions or need further instructions, please contact the Student Health Center at (713) 313-7173.
Exemptions to Immunization Requirements:
Chapter §97.62of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) describes the conditions under which individuals can seek exemptions from Texas immunization requirements. Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, and active duty with the armed forces of the United States.
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:
An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well being of the student:
Ora notarized affidavit signed by the student stating that the student understands the risks and benefits of vaccination(s) and declines the vaccination(s) for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.
For new students 18 years or olderNOT living on on-campus housing, Obtain an on-line "Affidavit Request for Exemption", form from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website at: www.thecb.state.tx.us/, click on "Bacterial Meningitis", scroll down and click on "Affidavit of Exemption From Immunzations for Bacterial Meningitis for Reasons of Conscience". The student must print the form, have it notarized and submitted to the Student Health Center.
For new studentsunder the age of 18,regardless of whether they are living on or off campusand for new students living in on-campushousing, the student must request the DSHS form electronically. It may take up to two weeks to receive the form. Once completed, it is submitted to the Student Health Center. Information about requesting the DSHS affidavit form is available at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm#exclusions.
Texas Southern University follows the guidelines of the Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA), which recommends that college students be current with all immunizations. We encourage students to consult with a physician about the need for the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease.
WHERE TO GET THE VACCINE:
- Your healthcare provider
- If you are 18 or younger, you may qualify for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program. Call 211, to find healthcare providers in your area who participate in this program
- Many Texas city/county health departments
- Medi-clinics and most large pharmacy chains
Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis: 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 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.
Meningococcal Disease (meningitis) is easily spread by direct contact, or by droplets of respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, kissing, and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation). Meningitis is often lethal because people associate early symptoms with the common flu, and don’t consult a physician. However, symptoms can progress rapidly, sometimes leading to death in 24-48 hours. Following the initial symptoms, the disease can result in joint infection, pneumonia, organ system failure, and shock.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Rash or purple patches on skin
- Vomiting
- Light sensitivity
- Stiff neck
- Confusion and sleepiness
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Seizures
HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED? Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of
clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests. Early
diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
HOW IS THE DISEASE TRANSMITTED? The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by
sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in
contact with respiratory or throat secretions.
HOW DO YOU INCREASE YOUR RISK OF GETTING BACTERIAL MENINGITIS? Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing,
etc. Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISEASE?
- Permanent brain damage
- Kidney failure
- Learning disability
- Hearing loss, blindness
- Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
- Gangrene
- Coma
- Convulsions
CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED? Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years. The cost of the vaccine varies so check with your healthcare provider for pricing information. Vaccination is very safe-most common side effects are redness and minor pain at the injection site. Contact the Student Health Center at (713) 313-7173 for vaccination locations.
For More Information about Meningococcal Meningitis:
