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Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Texas Senate Bill 1107 requires that all new students under age 30 who attend on-campus classes at an institution of higher learning either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before the first day of the semester. The requirement also applies to returning students under age 30 who were not enrolled in the previous long semester.

All new or returning Lamar University students under age 30 who were not enrolled in the previous long semester must provide proof of a bacterial meningitis vaccination or exemption through one of the five methods listed below.

The law states that students who do not qualify for an exemption must be immunized no later than 10 days prior to the first class day. This vaccination is valid for a five-year period. Make sure that yours has not expired. Take action now in order to register on time.

How to provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination or exemption

1. The Lamar University IMMUNIZATION RECORD/MEDICAL EXEMPTION FORM that is completed and signed by a physician, his or her designee, or public health official.

2. A document bearing the signature or stamp of a physician, his or her designee, or public health official. This record must state the name of the vaccination, the name and address of the medical facility, and the day, month and year that the vaccination was administered.

3. An official immunization record generated by a state or local health authority. This record must state the name of the vaccination, the name and address of the medical facility, and the day, month and year that the vaccination was administered.

4. An official school record that indicates a current bacterial meningitis vaccination. This record must state the name of the vaccination, the name and address of the medical facility, and the day, month and year that the vaccination was administered.

5. An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student. This document must state the name of the physician and the name and address of the medical facility.

6. An affidavit, which must be signed by the student and notarized, stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, which may include a religious belief. For students living off campus, a conscientious exemption form may be obtained from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board - Conscientious Objection Form for Students Living Off Campus. For students living on campus, an exemption form must be requested from the Texas Department of State Health Services and may take up to two weeks for delivery by mail - Request for Conscientious Objection Form for Students Living On Campus.

Where to get the vaccination

Facilities where the vaccination may be available appear below.

Lamar University Student Health Center
857 E. Virginia
Beaumont TX 77705
(409) 880-8466
NOTE: Student must have a Lamar ID and
Student Identification Number to make an appointment

Most Walgreens pharmacies

Your local health department

Submitting immunization/ exemption documents

Immunization or exemption documentation may be submitted to Lamar University electronically, through the U.S. Postal Service, in person or by fax machine.

In Person: Records Office, Wimberly 102

By Mail: Lamar University
              Office of Admissions
              P.O. Box 10009
              Beaumont TX 77710

By E-mail: immunization@lamar.edu

By Fax: (409) 880-7769