Bacterial Meningitis Immunization
The 82nd Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1107, and a follow-on Senate Bill 62 passed during the 83rd Texas Legislature and signed into law in June 2013, requiring all new students to submit evidence of being immunized against bacterial meningitis. This vaccine requirement under Chapter 21, Student Services, Subchapter T, Sections 21.610 – 21.614 applies to:
- All first-time freshmen
- All new transfer students
- All new graduate students
- All returning students who have experienced a break in their enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.
Limited Exceptions
The following students are not required to submit proof of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccination:
- Students who are 22 years of age or older by the first day of the semester;
- Students enrolled only in online or other distance education courses;
- Students with an affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States that states that the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student;
- Students who sign an affidavit stating that the student declines the bacterial meningitis vaccination for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used. This affidavit requires a notarized signature and must be submitted prior to registration.
Vaccination policy is subject to changes in regulations by the State of Texas.
University-Wide Policy
Students who fail to provide the required documentation will not be allowed to register for classes. However, these students will be allowed to be advised when attending orientation so they are prepared to register once they do provide the required bacterial meningitis documentation.
Marketing/Outreach
The University will maintain a website reflecting the bacterial meningitis immunization requirement as well as additional vaccination requirements for students living on-campus. This site is accessible to all University constituents, including current and future students, parents, faculty, staff, etc. The site contains information specific to the new statute, documentation required, meningitis information, area health clinics that offer vaccinations, limited exceptions allowed by law, and a downloadable immunization form that can be printed by new students and taken to their physician’s office for completion. For more information, please visit our website https://txwes.edu/campus-life/health/.
Misdirected Mail
Texas Wesleyan University is not responsible for misdirected mail or for forms/documentation that have been lost in transit.
Incomplete/Illegible documents
Incomplete or illegible submissions are unacceptable.