Meningitis Vaccinations - MCV4

Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Required - Effective January 1, 2012

Requirements

The 82nd Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1107, which requires all new TCC students under the age of 30 to submit evidence of being immunized against meningococcal meningitis.

The meningitis vaccination requirement applies to

All first-time freshmen
All new transfer students
All returning TCC students who have experienced a break in TCC enrollment of at least one fall or spring term
New and returning continuing education students enrolled in programs that have at least 360 contact hours

Deadlines

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 TCC'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:

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.
An immunization record from a state or local health authority or an official record received from school officials (must be within 5 yrs).
A completed, signed and dated copy of TCC's Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Verification Form.

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 MV 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.

Limited Exceptions/Exemptions

The following students are not required to submit an MV:

Students who are 30 years old or older.
Students taking only Distance Learning (DL) courses. TCC's WebAdvisor registration system will electronically exempt the MV requirement and allow enrollment in DL courses.
Continuing education students enrolled in a course or program that is less than 360 contact hours or in continuing education corporate training.
Students enrolled in a dual credit course that is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a TCC campus.
Students with a signed affidavit or certificate from a physician that states the vaccination would be injurious to the health of the student. TCC's Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Exemption Form may be attached to this document.
Students who sign an affidavit stating that the student declines the MV for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must be used.
TCC students incarcerated in a Texas prison.

Vaccination Location Options

Primary care physicians normally offer the meningitis vaccine. The price of the vaccine depends on your insurance coverage and your physician's practice. Some insurance plans require a co-payment for preventative vaccinations; others may cover the full cost.

The Tarrant County Public Health Department (TCPHD) also offer meningitis vaccinations for patients when their supplies allow. Before you go, please contact the Tarrant County Health Centers / El Departamento de Salud del Condado Tarrant (PDFs will open in a new window) for information about the availability and cost of their vaccines. Read more about TCPHD's new supply of $25 vaccines.

Area health care clinics and pharmacies may also offer the vaccine.

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):

Reviewed April 27, 2012