Student Health and Safety
Texas law requires that all entering students under the age of 22 provide a certificate signed by a health care provider or an official immunization record verifying that a student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis or has received a booster during the five years prior to registration. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before the first day of the semester.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can progress rapidly and cause permanent disabilities. Studies suggest that college students have a slightly higher risk of contracting the illness because they live and work near to other students. However, the bacterial meningitis vaccine will provide protection for vaccinated individuals.
To ensure students have met this immunization requirement, they must either receive the vaccination or claim an exemption.
For additional information on submitting your Bacterial meningitis records, vaccination deadlines, and claiming an exemption go to Bacterial Meningitis on the UHV website.