Important Meningitis Information
Texas Senate Bill 1107, which was passed and signed into law by Texas State Governor Rick Perry, requires all students (under age 30) entering an institution of higher education (public and private) to either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before the first day of the semester. In addition, students who have taken a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester at the same or another institution are also required to show evidence of the vaccination. Transfer students are considered entering students. This information shall be maintained in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Regulations and with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Senate Bill 1107 goes into effect January 1, 2012.
This requirement does not include:
- Students who are enrolled only in online courses or other distance education courses
- Students who are 30 years of age or older
As part of the implementation of Senate Bill 1107, Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMU-SA) has placed a registration hold on all new (incoming Summer 2012 or Fall 2012) and former students (those who did not attend TAMU-SA Spring 2012). The registration hold prevents new and former students at TAMU-SA from registering for classes until appropriate documentation has been submitted.
Providing Your Documentation (Magnus Health SMR)
TAMU-SA has chosen the services of Magnus Health SMR (Student Medical Record) to provide web-based access of evidence that a student has taken their Bacterial Meningitis vaccination. All new and former students that meet the bill requirement are required to submit documentation through Magnus Health SMR, to ensure your course registration at TAMU-SA is not delayed.
Students will receive their Magnus Health SMR username and password via email within 48 hours of applying for admission.The chart below will identify the timeframe in which students will need to submit their documentation to Magnus Health SMR. Students logging into their Magnus Health SMR account will be able to download the forms that need to be completed to provide proof of vaccination (or exemption). A $10 surcharge is required for each student. Students will be prompted to provide a credit card when they upload their document. Once the documentation has been verified and approved by Magnus Health SMR, the university will lift the registration hold.
If you have not received an email from Magnus Health SMR, please contact the Office of Student Engagement & Success at (210) 784-1329.
According to law provisions, students must have received the vaccination 10 days prior to the start of classes. TAMU-SA requires that proof of vaccination be submitted to Magnus Health SMR no later than 10 days before the first day of classes. TAMU-SA will drop the courses of students who have not submitted documentation of the vaccination (or exemption) by the submission deadline. Students who are dropped from their courses will be required to provide proof of vaccination before being allowed to re-register. Please note that the university does not guarantee availability of courses once a student has been dropped. In addition, students who request a reinstatement may be assessed a Reinstatement Fee of $363. Timely submission of your bacterial meningitis vaccination is vital so that preparations can be made in time for the first day of school and to prevent a delay in your enrollment.
Evidence of Vaccination
Evidence of Vaccination must verify that the vaccination was received at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester and must be submitted in one of the following four formats:
- A complete Evidence of Vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis Form (.pdf). Use this form if you plan to obtain your vaccination somewhere other than your personal physician's office.
- 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).
- An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).
- 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 to Decline Vaccination
Evidence to Decline 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.
- 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 from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used and can be requested here - Affidavit Request for Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience. Please allow several weeks for delivery. This form will need to be mailed directly to Magnus Health SMR and may increase your processing time.
Things to keep in mind
- You will not be allowed to register for classes until you provide proof of vaccination.
- The bacterial meningitis vaccination must be administered by a Health Practitioner authorized by law to administer an immunization.
- Vaccinations older than 5 years will require a booster.
- If you have not already received the meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine, it is important that you contact your primary healthcare provider or your local public health clinic to determine availability of the vaccination and the need for the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease. Most large healthcare 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. These offices often have limited vaccination times so be sure to call ahead.
- Texas A&M University-San Antonio will not accept copies of the vaccination documentation.
- Texas A&M University-San Antonio is not responsible for the cost of the vaccination or booster.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Office of Student Engagement & Success at (210) 784-1329.