Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement for New Students Entering Spring 2012
Please continue to consult our website for additional information regarding the submission of documentation to meet this requirement.
What/When:
Per state legislation – SB 1107, beginning Jan. 1, 2012, certain college students must receive a vaccination or booster against bacterial meningitis. Students will not be able to register until proof is presented of vaccination or of a booster during the five-year period prior to enrollment, and not less than 10 days before the first day of classes.
Who: Students less than 30 years of age who meet one of one of the following:
- New to ACC for the Spring 2012 term or after
- Returning to ACC after a break of enrollment for one or more fall or spring semesters
- Transferring for the first time to Alvin Community College for the spring 2012 term or after
- Dual credit high school students who are enrolled in any college course taken outside the high school campus
- Continuing Education students who are enrolled in courses longer than 360 hours
How: Provide a certificate to the Enrollment Services Center – A-100, signed by a health practitioner or an official immunization record showing the student has received the bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster during the five-year period prior to enrollment, and not less than 10 days before the first day of classes.
Documentation Accepted:
- An Alvin Community College Form may be submitted [Bacterial Meningitis Form]
- The signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel on a form which shows the month, day, and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered
- An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority
- An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state
Exemptions and Waivers
- Online Courses only- Students who are enrolled only in online courses may obtain a temporary waiver for the current term by contacting the Dean of Students 281-756-3517
- Students 30 and over - who are 30 years of age or older are exempt
- Physicians Waiver - Students who present an affidavit signed by a licensed physician stating that the vaccination would be injurious to the health or well-being of the student are temporarily waived as per the physician's directive. Students may request this waiver by contacting the Dean of Students 281-756-3517.
- Conscientious Objection - For new students at Alvin Community College, who wish to file an affidavit stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, the student may use the official Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's form, accessible from the opening page of the website, www.thecb.state.tx.us. The student must print the form, have it notarized, and file it with the Enrollment Service Center. This form grants students a permanently waived status for the duration of their uninterrupted attendance. The exception noted for Conscientious Objectors not apply during certain state or national emergency situations. (see 19 TAC 21.610 – 21.614)
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What is Bacterial Meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans annually, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive might develop severe health problems or disabilities.
What are the symptoms?
High fever, Severe headache, Rash or purple patches on skin, Vomiting
Light sensitivity, Stiff neck, Confusion and sleepiness, Nausea, Lethargy, Seizures
There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. Symptoms can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk; seek attention immediately.
How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
How is the disease transmitted?
The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.
How does one increase the risk of getting bacterial meningitis?
- Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
- Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).
What are the possible consequences of the disease?
Death (in 8 to 24 hours)
Permanent brain damage
Kidney failure
Learning disability
Hearing loss, blindness
Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
Gangrene
Coma
Convulsions
Can the disease be treated?
Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
- Those living in close quarters
- College students under 30 years of age
- Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70 percent of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
- Vaccinations take 10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 5 years.
- The cost of vaccine varies- check with a health care provider.
- The vaccination is very safe — the most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
Vaccines are available at the following locations:
Stephen F. Austin Community Health Center
1111 W. Adoue St.
Alvin, Texas 77511
281.824.1471
www.sfachc.org
