The Texas state legislature has enacted a law that states on January 1, 2014, all new students who are under the age of 22 on their first day of class at a public, private, or independent institution of higher education in Texas must provide proof of immunization for meningitis. The vaccine must have been received during the 5 years prior to enrollment and at least 10 days prior to moving into the residence halls or the first day of classes. New Student Definition The law defines a “new student” as: A first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and includes a student who transfers to the institution from another institution; A student who previously attended an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester. Students are required to submit proof of their meningitis vaccination, which includes the month, day and year they received the vaccine, along with the signature of a physician, other healthcare worker, or public health official. Students will not be able to attend classes or move-in to on campus housing until approved documentation of their meningitis vaccine has been received. Students must also have had the vaccine 10 days before moving onto campus, or 10 days before classes begin, if commuting. Students will not be allowed to enter class if 10 days have not passed since their vaccine. Approved Meningococcal Vaccines There are a few types of meningococcal vaccines in the United States: Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4 or MenACWY) The MCV4 or MenACWY is the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against four serogroups of meningococci that cause the disease (A, C, Y and W-135). U.S. brand name MCV4 (MenACWY) vaccines include: MenQuadfi (Menactra was discontinued in 2022) Menveo Meningococcal Group B Vaccine (MenB) The Meningococcal Group B (MenB) vaccine protects against another serogroup of the disease: meningococcal serogroup B bacteria. U.S. brand name MenB vaccines include: Trumenba Bexsero Meningococcal Pentavalent Vaccine (MenABCWY) The Meningococcal Pentavalent (MenABCWY) vaccine protects against all 5 serogroups of the bacteria that cause the meningococcal disease (A, B, C, W, Y). U.S. brand name MenABCWY vaccines include: Penbraya Vaccine Renewal and Foreign Equivalent Requirements Persons who received a meningococcal vaccination more than 5 years prior to their first day of class (or move-in) as a new student at HCU must receive a new vaccine, as it is only valid for 5 years. Students from other countries who cannot get any of these vaccines should confirm with their doctor that their vaccine is equivalent and protects against the A, C, Y and W-135 strains, or the B strain of the disease. Otherwise, the student will be required to get another vaccination. Exemptions Students may waive the requirement by opting for one of the two approved vaccination exemptions. 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; 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. Where Can I Get Vaccinated? If you have not been vaccinated within the past five years, you may be able to receive a Meningitis vaccine from the following: your health care provider a local health clinic in your neighborhood or your local pharmacy How Do I Submit Proof of Vaccination? New students may submit proof of vaccination to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions via any of the following ways: Upload proof of vaccination to your Application Status Portal. Be sure to select “Meningitis Vaccination Record” as the document type. Email it to meningitis@HC.edu. Submit it through our online form. Fax it to 281-649-3217. Mail it to the following address: Houston Christian University Office of Undergraduate Admissions 7502 Fondren Rd Houston, TX 77074
