Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Policy

In accordance with Texas Senate Bill 1107 (SB 62, effective October 1, 2013), Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will require all new students under the age of 22 to provide certified proof from a health practitioner that they have received a valid bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster within the last five years. Students must submit their proof of vaccination or a booster at least 10 days prior to the first day of class for the intended term of enrollment.

A new entering student includes a first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and includes a transfer student, or a student who previously attended an institution of higher education before January 1, 2012, and who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.

Students are strongly encouraged to obtain the bacterial meningitis vaccination before entering the United States or moving to the Corpus Christi area. A list of U.S. approved meningococcal vaccines is available: English , Español

 

Important Facts about Bacterial Meningitis 

Students who fail to submit certified proof of vaccination or a valid booster within the required timeframe will be unable to register for their intended term. Please note, vaccinations older than 5 years will require a booster and all bacterial meningitis vaccinations and boosters must be administered by a health practitioner authorized by law to administer an immunization. 

Valid Proof of Vaccination

  1. A complete Evidence of Vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis Form. Use this form if you plan to obtain your vaccination somewhere other than your personal physician's office.
  2. A document bearing the signature or stamp of the physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).
  3. An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).
  4. An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).

Valid Proof of Vaccination Exemption

  1. 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.
  2. Conscientious Objection Form: An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) can be filled online on the following link: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES FORM. Please complete the instructions provided on the conscience exemption form.  Please allow several weeks for delivery.

Other Vaccination Exemptions

A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis, or a booster dose, if:

  1. The student is 22 years of age or older by the first day of the start of the semester; or
  2. The student is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses; or
  3. The student is enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training; or
  4. The student is enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a higher education institution campus; or
  5. The student is incarcerated in a Texas prison.

Students are encouraged to visit their primary care provider prior to enrollment.  The cost of the bacterial meningitis vaccination may be cheaper in a student’s home country or through the student’s primary care provider.  Students may also obtain the Meningitis vaccination or booster from their local County Public Health Department or other local pharmacies. 

For medical questions concerning the meningitis vaccination or booster, students may contact the University Health Center Nurse Line at 361.825.5735.  For questions regarding document submission and approval, students should contact the Office of Recruitment and Admissions at 361.825.2624. 

All new students must receive the bacterial meningitis vaccination at least 10 days prior to the start of the intended term of enrollment.

 

How to Submit Evidence of Vaccination or an Affidavit to Decline Vaccination

All documents pertaining to compliance with the bacterial meningitis vaccination policy should be mailed, faxed, emailed, or hand-delivered to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Office of Recruitment and Admissions.  Applicants who wish to fax their documentation are asked to use the Office of Recruitment and Admissions Fax Cover Sheet. 

  • Mailing Address:

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Office of Recruitment and Admissions
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5774
Corpus Christi, TX  78412-5774
Phone: 361.825.2624 or 1.800.4.TAMUCC

  • E-mail: admiss@tamucc.edu    (Please type Meningitis Vaccination in the Subject Line)
  • Hand-Delivered:  Student Services Center, Office of Recruitment and Admissions, Customer Service Kiosk

Student Services Center Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST)