Please read the following required bacterial meningitis vaccination information before applying.

Link to application can be found below the required reading.

Important Information for You

New Requirements:

Beginning January 1, 2012, all entering students 21 years of age or younger are required to show evidence of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccine or a booster dose during the five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls at an institution. 

The meningitis vaccination (MV) requirement applies to:

  • All first-time freshman
  • All new transfer students
  • All new dual credit students taking a course on a Hill College campus
  • All new and returning continuing education students
  • All returning Hill students who have experienced a break in Hill enrollment of at least one fall or spring term

On-Campus Housing- Please note that students must provide documentation of having received the vaccination at least 10 days prior to the student taking up residence in on-campus housing.

Deadlines

Meningitis shot records with dates of inoculation at least 10 days prior to the 1st class day and the shot date must also be no later than 5 years prior must be submitted to Student Information Services before registration.

Required MV Documentation

At least one of the following must be faxed, mailed or submitted in person to Student Information Services:

  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 within 5 yrs).

The information will be maintained in Student Information Services 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. Limited Exceptions/Exemptions

The following students are not required to submit an MV:

  • Students who are 22 years old or older.
  • Students with a signed affidavit or certificate from a physician that states the vaccination would be injurious to the health of the student.
  • For Public Junior College Students only: to access the DSHS secure on-line exemption form click here: https://co-request-jc.dshs.texas.gov/. A copy of the form must be submitted to the designated school official at the institution the student will be attending.

DSHS has certain requirements about the expiration of the conscientious objection form, and photocopying the form, as designated in the question and answers below:

1.       How long are the DSHS affidavit exemption forms valid?

These documents are valid for 2 years after the signature date of the notary. For the initial filing, the form must be turned into the school within 90 days of being notarized or it is no longer valid. 

2.       Can the DSHS affidavit exemption forms be transferred from one university to another (as part of their student record)?

For students transferring colleges/universities, it is possible to transfer the affidavit exemption form as long as it is still valid. 

The Texas Health & Safety Code does not address the confidentiality of exemption forms/affidavits after they leave the DSHS office.  Institutions of higher education will need to speak to their own legal counsels about any concerns they have about legal requirements specifically related to the transfer of student records between institutions.

It should be noted that it is not always possible to re-use an immunization exemption form at a second institution once it has been used at the first school.

3.       Can the new DSHS public junior college exemption forms be transferred?

The new public junior college forms are not transferable as they are specific to the public junior college.  Students will need to get new exemption forms in this instance.

4.       Can the DSHS exemption forms be photocopied?

 No forms can be reproduced whatsoever, it's a violation of law.

For further information on Bacterial Meningitis and requirements for college students, please see College Vaccine Requirements.

This information is being provided to all new college students in the State of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast ' so take utmost caution. 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 collect student every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

  • High fever
  • Vomiting
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion and sleepiness
  • Seizures
  • Sever Headache
  • Rash or purple patches on skin
  • Light sensitivity
  • Nausea
  • Lethargy

There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED?

  • Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

HOW IS THE DISEASE TRANSMITTED?

  • The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.

HOW DO YOU INCREASE YOUR RISK OF GETTING BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?

  • Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
  • Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISEASE?

  • Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
  • Permanent brain damage
  • Kidney failure
  • Learning disability
  • Hearing loss, blindness
  • Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
  • Gangrene
  • Coma
  • Convulsions

CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED?

  • Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recover are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.
  • Vaccinations are available and should be considered for: (1) Those living in close quarters; (2) College students 25 years old or younger.
  • Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
  • The cost of vaccine varies so check with your health care provider.
  • Vaccination is very safe ' most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
  • Check with your physician for vaccination information.
  • Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the diseases in the U.S. (But does not protect against all types of meningitis).

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?

  • Contact your own health care provider.
  • Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office.

ADDITIONAL WEBSITES: