New Texas Law Expands Requirement for Meningitis Vaccine for College Students
Mainland Testing Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 9:36PM Effective January 1, 2012 all incoming Texas college students must be immunized against bacterial meningitis
First-time students of public and private colleges who live on campus already must be immunized against the disease, which can be deadly to young people living in crowded quarters such as dormitories or military bases.
But the new Jamie Schanbaum and Nicolis Williams Act, authored by Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, and honoring victims of the disease, expand the requirement to all college students. Davis said existing law left too many students vulnerable.
New Vaccine Rules - 2012
All entering students must be vaccinated unless they are enrolled only in online classes.
The rule doesn't apply to students ages 30 and older.
An official immunization record is an acceptable form of proof of vaccination.
Students who arrive unvaccinated have 10 days from the start of the semester to comply.
To find the vaccine, check with your college health department, family doctor or local public health department.
Meningitis vaccination is available at Mainland Testing on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary. Give us a call today @409-978-2440.
Sources: Committee version of Senate Bill 1107, University of North Texas
For more information please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
