Bacterial Meningitis Information Menactra Vaccine Bacterial Meningitis

Meningitis Vaccination

The Texas Legislature recently passed House Bill 4189, which will take effect January 1, 2010. This bill requires all first time students (including transfer students) who reside on campus to show proof of immunization against bacterial meningitis. The student must have received the vaccine at least 10 days prior to moving into any on-campus housing.

All students must properly complete a Health Form, including the month, date and year of meningitis vaccination. The signature of a physician, other healthcare worker or public health official must be included on the form.

Students may be exempted from the requirement in only one of two ways:

1. An affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice in the United States, stating 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 reasons of conscience, including religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used. This form may be requested by going to https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm.

Please note that the above exceptions do not apply during a disaster or public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary activity or extraordinary law enforcement emergency declared by an appropriate official or authority from the Texas Department of State health Services and is in effect for Waco/McLennan County.

College students-particularly freshmen living in dorms on campus- are at an increased risk of contracting bacterial meningococcal disease. This is a serious bacterial infection that can be fatal in as little as 48 hours and may leave survivors with permanent disabilities. Meningitis is a serious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is a grave illness that can rapidly progress to death thus it requires early diagnosis and treatment. It is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms closely resemble those of the flu. The highest incidence of bacterial meningitis occurs during late winter and early spring (flu-season.)

Although not perfect, the meningococcal vaccine (Menactra) offers the most complete protection against bacterial meningitis.

Updated November 17, 2009