Requirement for Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination:
The Texas Department of State Health Services requires all entering University students under the age of 22 to submit evidence of being immunized against bacterial meningitis at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester in which the student initially enrolls. The meningitis vaccination (MV) requirement applies to:
All first-time students
All new transfer students
All returning Parker University students who have experienced a break in Parker University enrollment of at least one fall or spring term
New and returning continuing education students enrolled in programs that have at least 360 contact hours
Exceptions to Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement
Exception/Exemption forms are available online. A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student meets any of the following criteria:
The student is 22 years of age or older by the first day of the start of the semester (effective 1/1/2014).
The student is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses.
The student is enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training.
The student is enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a higher education institution campus.
An affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine 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
An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) must be used.
Students requiring proof of the Bacterial Meningitis vaccination may not attend classes until they submit evidence of having received the bacterial meningitis vaccine at least 10 days prior to the first day of the first semester.
This information will be maintained in the Office of the Registrar in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations and the Health and Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Students who fail to submit the required MV documents will be restricted from registering for classes.
Extensions
Under justifiable circumstances, the Registrar may grant an individual student an extension to extend the compliance date to no more than 10 days after the first day of the semester.
Vaccination Location Options
Primary care physicians normally offer the meningitis vaccine. The price of the vaccine depends on the insurance coverage and the physician’s practice. Some insurance plans require a co-payment for preventive vaccinations; others may cover the full cost.
Dallas County Public Health Department offers meningitis vaccinations for patients when their supplies allow.
Healthcare clinics and pharmacies may also offer the vaccine.
More Information about Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord – also called the meninges. More information about the causes, symptoms, types, risks, and seriousness as well as ways to prevent meningococcal meningitis are available through the following websites: