Click here to upload your Meningitis Shot Record
The bacterial meningitis vaccination must be taken 10 days before the first day of class.

Requirements

The 82nd Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1107, requiring all new COM students under age 22 to submit evidence of being immunized against meningococcal meningitis.

The meningitis vaccination requirement applies to:

  • All first-time freshmen
  • All new transfer students
  • All new and returning continuing education students who did not attend classes in Fall 2011
  • All returning students who did not attend classes in Fall 2011

Limited Exceptions/Exemptions

The following students are not required to submit record of vaccination:

  • Students who are 22 years old or older
  • Students with a signed affidavit or certificate from a physician that states the vaccination would be injurious to the health of the student
  • Students who sign an affidavit stating that the student declines the MV for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. One of the following forms must be used:

Locations

Click here to see a list of vaccination locations.

Deadlines

A record of a meningitis vaccination administered within the five-year period immediately preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first semester enrolled or reenrolled must be submitted to COM's Registrar Office. Required meningitis vaccination information is listed below.

At least one of the following must be faxed, mailed or submitted to the Registrar's Office:

  1. Certification from a physician or clinic that the student has been vaccinated during the five-year period immediately preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class
  2. An immunization record from a state or local health authority or an official record received from school officials (must be within five years)

The information will be maintained in the Records Office in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and the Health and Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Note: Students who fail to submit required meningitis vaccination documents will be restricted from registering for classes.

Extensions

Under justifiable circumstances, the registrar may grant an individual student an extension to extend the compliance date to no more than 10 days after the first day of the semester.

More Information About Meningococcal Meningitis

Meningitis, also called the meninges, is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. More information about the causes, symptoms, types, risks and seriousness, as well as ways to prevent meningococcal meningitis, is available through the following links. (All links open in a new window.)