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TSU Immunization Requirements


Immunization Requirement: Bacterial Meningitis (ACYW-135)

Immunization Requirement: Bacterial Meningitis

The State of Texas requires all incoming students to provide proof of vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis at least 10 days before classes begin or an approved exemption. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and can also infect the blood.

The disease is primarily caused by five bacterial strains: A, C, Y, W-135, and B, known as meningococcal disease. Vaccines are available for the ACYW-135 strains and the group B strains. These vaccines are not interchangeable. The vaccines for strains ACWY, DO NOT cover the infection caused by the group B type.  The first pentavalent meningococcal vaccine has recently been approved, Penbraya. This is a two-dose series, administered six months apart and helps to prevent meningococcal disease caused by groups A,B,C, Y and W. Consult with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of the vaccinations. Depending on your health status, your healthcare provider may recommend one over the other or both vaccinations.

Submit a vaccination record for bacterial meningitis if you:

  • Are 21 years of age and younger and are entering TSU for the first time.
  • Are 21 years of age and younger and returning to TSU after a break in enrollment of one fall/spring semester.
  • Plan to live in campus housing.
  • You are exempt from immunization requirement if you will be 22 years old or older by the first day of class

Here’s how to submit your immunization record to Student Health Services.

  1. Click on the link to upload your documents to the "My Tiger Health Patient Portal". You must have a TSU email and student identification number (T-number) to access the My Tiger Health Patient Portal.
  2. You will receive an email from Student Health Services after your immunization record has been reviewed. The email will come from “NoReply@Medicat.com you have received a Secure Message from TSU Health or Counseling.”
  3. The email will state that your immunization record was accepted, and the hold will be removed, or your immunization record was invalid and give instructions on what you need to do to correct the record.
  4. Please allow 3 business days for processing and remember to check your spam or junk folder for the email.
  5. If additional assistance is needed, call Student Health Services at 713-313-7173.

Important Points to Remember When Submitting an Immunization Record:

  • Your shot record must be legible
  • We cannot accept records older than 5 years old.
  • The immunization must be administered at least 10 days before classes begin.
  • All international records must be translated into English.
  • You must have a TSU email and T-Number to access the patient portal.
  • To access the My Tiger Health Patient Portal, click on the link above or go to https://tsu.medicatconnect.com.

Exemptions 

Affidavits – The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) now allows you to download the exemption form for Reasons of Conscience, including religious beliefs. Follow the instructions below to access the exemption form. You will need to hand deliver to mail the original Affidavit to Student Health Services.

 Below are options for obtaining the exemption form if you are not able to print the exemption form:

The original Affidavit must be hand delivered or mailed to Texas Southern University, Student Health Services, 3100 Cleburne St., Houston, Texas 77004. Please take all precautions you can when mailing your Affidavit, it is your responsibility to ensure we receive the Affidavit. The Affidavit is valid for two years from the date it is notarized.

Medical Exemptions

To accept a medical exemption, it must be signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States. It should state that in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student. It must include the physician’s contact information, and it must be signed by the physician. Please choose from the following options to send in your medical exemption.

Upload medical documentation to the My Tiger Health Patient Portal at  https://tsu.medicatconnect.com

Providing a valid immunization record for bacterial meningitis or an approved exemption is required by the State of Texas.