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.
The bill requires that students who will be under age 22 on their first day of class at a public, private or independent institution of higher education in Texas provide proof of immunization for bacterial meningitis. The vaccination or booster dose must have been received during the five years prior to enrollment and at least ten (10) days before the start of classes.
Who does this requirement apply to?
- All first-time freshmen
- All new transfer
- All new graduate students
- All returning students who have experienced a break in their enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester
- Any dual credit and/or early college high school students attending classes at Texas Wesleyan University.
When does proof of vaccination need to be submitted?
Proof of vaccination should be submitted to the Office of Admissions prior to attending new student orientation. Students who fail to submit the required bacterial meningitis documents will not be permitted to register for classes. However, 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.
What is considered proof of vaccination?
At least one of the following must be mailed or submitted in person to the Admissions office prior to registration for classes:
- Certification from a physician or clinic that the student has been vaccinated during the five-year period immediately preceding and at least ten (10) days prior to the first day of class (must include the month, day, and year of immunization).
- An immunization record from a state or local health authority or an official record received from school officials (not older than 5 years and must include the month, day and year the immunization was administered).
- An official and notarized affidavit declining 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.
A portion of this form must be completed and signed/stamped by a healthcare provider or pharmacy. An acceptable meningitis document will include the following:
- Full name of student
- Student’s date of birth
- Name of facility where the vaccination was given
- Vaccine administration date and expiration
- Meningitis vaccination must be present on the form
- Signature of physician/provider OR stamp
- Administered within the last 5 years of the enrollment term
A receipt of your visit will not suffice as proper documentation. Students who have not turned 22 before the start of the admit term are still required to provide proper meningitis documentation.
Texas Wesleyan University will maintain the above information in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and the Health and Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
What happens if the vaccination deadline is missed?
If the student receives the vaccination less than ten (10) days prior to the first day of classes, Texas Wesleyan University will still accept proof. However, any associated holds will not be removed until the ten (10) day period has lapsed. The student may be allowed to attend classes on campus during this time with a signed extension form on file with the Office of Student Records. An extension to the ten (10) day requirement can be requested and granted for justifiable circumstances (such as late acceptance, etc.). All extension requests must be submitted to and approved by the Office of Student Records.
If you are planning to move into campus housing, you must comply with the meningitis vaccination requirements within ten (10) days from your housing contract offer or ten (10) days before move in, whichever is earliest. Students will not be allowed to move in to campus housing without submitting timely proof that they have complied with the meningitis vaccination law. Please note, on-campus housing arrangements are made through the Residence Life office. You may contact the staff at 817-413-5000 or housing@txwes.edu.
Are there exemptions?
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.
Where do I send my documentation?
Return completed form/documentation to:
Undergraduate/Transfer/Graduate Students
Texas Wesleyan University
Office of Admissions
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76105
admission@txwes.edu
International Students
Texas Wesleyan University
International Programs Office
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76105
FAX: 1-817-531-4980
OneWorld@txwes.edu
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/admissions/what-will-it-cost/fees-costs-and-policies/university-policies/vaccination-policies/.
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.