Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination

Who does the law apply to?

Texas Education Code, § 51.9192, Subchapter Z, requires all new Brazosport College students under 22 years of age to submit evidence of being immunized against meningococcal meningitis.

The meningitis vaccination (MV) requirement applies to:

• All first-time freshmen
• All new transfer students
• All returning BC students who have experienced a break in BC enrollment of at least one fall or spring term

Deadlines to Submit Documentation

An MV record administered within the five-year period immediately preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first semester enrolled or re-enrolled must be submitted to BC's Registrar Office. Required MV Documentation is listed below. At least one of the following must be faxed, mailed or submitted to the Registrar's Office for verification:

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 received at least 10 days prior to the first day of class).
3. A completed, signed and dated copy of BC's Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Verification Form.

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

Limited Exceptions and Exemptions

A student, parent, or guardian of a student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, parent or guardian of a student submits to the institution:

(a) 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.

(b) 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 for students attending a public university, health-related institution, or private or independent institution of higher education. Please Note: The form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office no later than the 90th day after the affidavit is notarized. The form may also be requested online and will be mailed to the student within 5-7 business days.

(c) an exemption form can be signed by the student online and submitted to the Registrar's Office. Please Note: In order to complete the form you must have access to working printer.

The following conditions exempt a student from being required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis or evidence of receiving a booster dose:

1. For Spring 2014, Students who are currently 22 years of age or older by the first day of the start of the semester in which you enroll.
2. Distance education students who are not in state or country (based on actual mailing address. A Post Office Box cannot be used as proof of residency).
3. Students enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contract hours or in continuing education corporate training.
4. Students enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located at the college.
5. Students incarcerated in a Texas prison.

A student’s MV information will be maintained in the Registrar’s Office in accordance with the provisions established in the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

More Information About Meningococcal Meningitis

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

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Texas Department of State Health Services College Vaccine Requirements

Brazoria County Health Department

Information about Exemption for Reasons of Conscience