Student Affairs

Department of Housing and Residential Life

J.C. Kellam, Suite 320/380
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: (512)245-2382
Fax: (512)245-7619
reslife@txstate.edu

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Texas State > Student Affairs > Department of Housing and Residential Life > Prospective Residents > Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

During the last Texas legislative session, Texas House Bill 4189 (HB 4189) was passed and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. HB 4189 requires that any incoming new student who lives on campus must either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before they can live on campus.

Beginning on January 1, 2010, incoming students who live in on-campus housing will be required to provide either evidence of vaccination against bacterial meningitis or a signed affidavit declining the vaccination prior to living on campus. Students will not receive a housing assignment until one of the following documents is received by the Department of Housing and Residential Life. Priority date for assignment will be the date that all documentation has been received.

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED

Evidence the student has received the vaccination (student must have received vaccination at least 10 days prior to living on campus) must be submitted in one of the following three formats:

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). OR
An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered). OR
An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).

Evidence the student is declining the vaccination must be submitted in one of the following two formats:

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. OR
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 ("Affidavit Request for Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience") from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used.

If you have not already received the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine, contact your primary healthcare provider or your local public health clinic to determine availability. Most large pediatrician offices offer the vaccine and the cost will depend on your insurance coverage. Most local health departments will offer the vaccine at a low cost. However, these offices often limited vaccination times so be sure to call ahead.

Please send the verification document along with your housing contract and prepayment to:

Department of Housing and Residential Life
Mail: Texas State University-San Marcos, DHRL – Suite 320, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666-4609
Fax: (512) 245-7619 – Attention: Housing Contracts and Assignments
Email: reslife@txstate.edu
Hand Delivery: J.C. Kellam Building, Suite 380