Meningitis: What You Need to Know

Meningococcal (Bacterial Meningitis) Immunization Requirement for All SEU Students Entering in January 2012 and Thereafter

 

 In accordance with Texas State Law SB 1107, all entering or returning students under the age of 30 as of the university’s first day of class for a particular semester must be immunized against bacterial meningitis. The immunization or a booster must have been received no earlier than five years and no later than 10 days prior to the first day of class.

See the table below for specific dates and deadlines:

First day of class Deadline to receive immunization If the immunization was received prior to the date listed below, a booster immunization is required
May 14, 2012 May 4,2012 May 14, 2007
May 21, 2012 May 11, 2012 May 21, 2007
Aug. 27, 2012 Aug. 17, 2012 August 27, 2007

 

Students will not be allowed to register for classes until this immunization requirement is fulfilled.

 

Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities. It is important to consult a physician about the need for immunization to prevent disease.

Student compliance and exemption:

The following entering students must comply with this requirement unless exempted.

  • All first-time students of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education, in this case St. Edward's University. This includes dual enrollment students regardless of where or how they are taking classes for credit from St. Edward's University.

  • All students who are transferring from any institution of higher education to St. Edward's University.

  • All students who previously attended an institution of higher education, including St. Edward's University, and who are enrolling or re-enrolling in St. Edward's University following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester. (Students who complete a spring semester at St. Edward's University, are not enrolled for the summer at St. Edward's University, and who return in the fall are considered "continuing students" and not included in this requirement.)

You are EXEMPT from this requirement if:

  • You will be age 30 or older on the first day of classes of the semester in which you are enrolling at St. Edward's University. You do not have to submit any documentation to the Health & Counseling Center.

  • You are enrolled only in online or distance courses. You do not have to submit any documentation to the Health & Counseling Center.

  • You cannot take the vaccine because of medical reasons. - To prevent your registration / classes from being affected, you must submit to the Health & Counseling Center specific, acceptable documentation, to verify this reason.

  • You decline the vaccine due to reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. - To prevent your registration for classes from being affected, you must submit to the Health & Counseling Center, a completed and notarized original affidavit. Please see the bullets below to be directed to the correct exemption affidavit.

    • If you will be living in on-campus housing and would like to submit a conscientious objection affidavit click here.

    • If you will be living off campus and would like to submit a counscientious objection affidavit click here.

The conscientious objection exemption is only valid for two years from the date of notarization. The original document must be mailed to the Health & Counseling Center, copies will not be accepted.

For more information on exemptions, click here: Exemptions

Acceptable documentation includes:

  • the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee or public health personnel on a form that shows the month, day, and year the vaccination or booster dose was administered;

  • an official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority that includes the same information as above; or

  • an official record received from school officials, including a record from another state, that includes the same information as above.

Documentation must be in English and include your full name and date of birth. Write your SEU ID on all pages of your documentation before submitting it.

DOWNLOAD THE ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY MENINGITIS DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION FORMS HERE. THESE FORMS CAN BE SUBMITTED TO THE ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY HEALTH & COUNSELING CENTER.

How to Submit your documentation to the Health & Counseling Center

Do not submit any information other than vaccine related information.
 
Write your SEU ID on each page of any documentation submitted to the Health & Counseling Center. NOTE: Submission methods may change depending upon the time of year. Don't be concerned if the information in this section changes after you submit your documentation.
 
By U.S. Mail:
Health & Counseling Center
3001 South Congress Avenue -CM 1034
Austin, TX 78704.
 
By Fax:
512-464-8842
During rush periods, you may receive busy signals before being able to complete your fax. Please plan accordingly.
 
By Email:
Sirritta Roundtree, Office Specialist IV, sirritta@stedwards.edu, write "vaccine" in the subject line.
 
 
 

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