Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination
The State of Texas requires all students under the age of 22 to provide proof of vaccination for Meningococcal Meningitis. Only the quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against four types of meningococcus bacteria, (MCV4, MPSV4) will be accepted.
Students must fulfill this requirement if they meet any of the following:
- A first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education
- A transfer student
- A student who previously attended an institution of higher education, 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
The following students are exempt from the vaccine requirement:
- A student 22 years of age or older by the first day of the semester
- A student enrolled only in online or other distance education courses
- A student enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours
- A student who cannot take the vaccine because of medical reasons (must be verified by physician)
- A student declines the vaccine due to reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.
The Meningococcal Meningitis immunization must be received during the 5 year period prior to but not later than 10 days before the first day of the semester.
Proof of Meningococcal immunization must be submitted to Student Health Services by using Med+Proctor. Immunization records must be translated in English.
Request for Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience
Students must use the official Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) form. The TDSHS form may be obtained from this website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/exemptions.aspx#conscience. It is then mailed from TDSHS to the student and it may take up to two weeks to receive the form.
The TDSHS form must be completed, notarized, and sent to Student Health Services within 90 days from the date it was notarized. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the TDSHS form and have it notarized. Information about requesting the TDSHS affidavit form is available here: https://co-request.dshs.texas.gov/.
The affidavit must be completely filled out, signed in the correct areas, and notarized. Student Health Services accepts originals only. Incomplete forms or photocopies will not be accepted and may delay the process of class registration.
Mail to or bring in person:
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Student Health Services
One UTSA Circle,
San Antonio, TX 78249