Meningitis Info
Submitting Proof of Meningitis Vaccination to UIW
A copy of the student's meningitis vaccine (MCV4/MenACWY) can be submitted through email to registrar@uiwtx.edu. Please include the first and last name of the student and their student ID number.
Valid vaccine records must include the following information:
- Student's name
- Student's date of birth
- Name of vaccine administered
- Date of vaccine administration (vaccines must be administered within 5 years of the first day of school)
- Location vaccine was administered
MENINGITIS VACCINE - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Meningitis Vaccine
Effective October 1, 2013, a change to Texas State law (SB 62) mandates that all entering students under the age of 22 provide a certificate signed by a health care provider or an official immunization record verifying that a student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, or has received a booster during the five years preceding admission to the University.
Required Vaccine
The meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine is required for all entering students. If the student received a dose of MenACWY before their 16th birthday, they need a booster shot for maximum protection before going to college.
An entering student includes
- A new student, including transfer students
- A student previously enrolled in any institution of higher education following a break of at least one fall or spring semester.
The vaccine must be received prior to the 10th day before the first day of the semester. The vaccine is available through UIW Student Health Services utilizing the School Health Insurance Plan or for a fee of $145. It is also available through your local health department, your Primary Care Physician, HEB, Walgreens, CVS and many other convenient care centers. Pricing will vary and is covered by most private health insurance at city-wide pharmacies.
Exemptions
A student, or a parent, or a guardian of a student, is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, or parent, or guardian of a student submits to the institution:
(1) An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student; or
(2) An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State health Services must be used.
(3) This law does not apply to students enrolled in online only courses or other distance education courses
Exemption Affidavit is available online and must be notarized and submitted to Health Services. Write in University of the Incarnate Word in field (C) Please Select a College on the form below.
- Affidavit Exemption form (PDF)
If you will be living in the residence hall, documentation must be provided a minimum of 10 days prior to move-in. If you are a commuter student, you must comply with this law in order to register for the semester.
You will find information on:
- Symptoms and consequence of the disease.
- How the disease is transmitted.
- Available treatments for the disease.
- Availability, effectiveness and possible risks/side effects of the vaccine and treatments for the disease.
- Sources of additional information regarding the disease.
Click on link below for detailed information:
Feel free to contact us with any additional questions or concerns.
You can reach Health Services at (210) 829-6017.