In addition to reviewing the following information regarding meningitis vaccination requirements, all students are advised to review this link with Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis.
Effective January 1, 2012 (with updates effective January 1, 2014):
In compliance with state law THECB Rules, Chapter 21, Subchapter T
The meningococcal vaccination is required for all:
- new students (including freshmen, transfer, or graduate students)
- returning students who are being readmitted following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.
The required immunization documentation should be uploaded to the LCU Patient Portal by the student once they have been accepted. Immunization dates can be input by the student in the immunization section and a copy of the record uploaded to the LCU Patient Portal.
Acceptable records of the vaccination (including month, date, and year administered) may be obtained from any of the following:
- Immunization Form verified by signature or stamp of a physician or other licensed health care professional.
- Official Immunization Record generated from a state or local health department.
- Immunization Record from High School or Previous College/University - Must have an official stamp or signature. These immunization records do not transfer automatically; you must request a copy.
Three quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines are available in the United States:
- Menactra: MenACWY-D
- Menveo: MenACWY-CRM
- MenQuadfi: MenACWY-TT
Documentation of a dose of one of the afore mentioned conjugate vaccines administered at or after 16 years of age is required to meet the state mandate.
The meningococcal vaccination must have been administered at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester of the student's initial enrollment, but no more than 5 years prior to the first day of the semester.
Exempt from the requirement are:
- Students who are age 22 years or older by the first day of the start of the semester.
- Students enrolled only in online or other distance education courses.
- Students enrolled only in a continuing education course that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training.
- Students 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.
- Students who are exempted for medical reasons (i.e. the vaccination is considered injurious to the health of the student), as documented by a licensed physician in a signed statement on letterhead paper.
- Students requesting an exemption for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs.
- Per state law, this must be done by submitting the official Texas DSHS affidavit form. Request for this form may be done online or by mail/fax. Further details are available.
- Once requested, the affidavit form is mailed from DSHS to the address provided by the student. The DSHS recommends that students allow up to two weeks to receive the form. The affidavit must then be completed, notarized, and the original copy submitted to your LCU admissions advisor.
- Students choosing to seek exemption for reasons of conscience are advised to consult a physician about the importance of immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease.
Please refer to the following websites for clarifications or additional information:
- Bacterial Meningitis - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/college-requirements.aspx
If you have further questions, you may call the LCU Student Health Office at: (806) 720-7482