Immunization Requirement For Students

Senate Bill 62 (SB62) was passed during the 2013 legislative session and signed into law. For incoming students to UTRGV, this new law, effective January 1, 2014, requires that all entering students 21 years of age and younger attending an institution of higher education in the state of Texas, including transfer students, show evidence of having received the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination no more than 5 years and no less than 10 days prior to the start of the semester or 10 days prior to the student taking up residence in on-campus housing. The law also allows for exemptions on medical grounds or reasons of conscience, including religious belief.

Students must submit one of the following documents:

• A “Bacterial Meningitis Immunization Record” signed by a health practitioner evidencing that the student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis or any other official state or local immunization record. Confirmation of the MCV4 (Menactra or Menveo) vaccine will satisfy as the requirement. The MPSV4 (Menomune) vaccination may be accepted if administered or boosted within the past 5 years. Vaccinations must be administered no fewer than 10 days prior to the first day of the semester for which the student is enrolling.
• A “Refusal of Immunization for Medical Reasons” signed by a physician who is licensed and registered to practice medicine in the United States which states the physician’s opinion that the required vaccination would be injurious to the health and wellbeing of the student.
• A “Texas Department of State Health Services Conscientious Exemption” signed by the student stating that the student has declined the vaccination for reasons of conscience, including religious belief. This Affidavit must be notarized and submitted within 90 days of notarization. Original document must be submitted, no copies allowed. The Affidavit can also be used by students who have already received two doses and do not wish to receive another booster shot.

Students who fail to satisfy this requirement will not be able to attend the university. Failure to submit documentation of the required vaccination does not alleviate the student’s responsibility under any contractual relationship with the university. The proof of vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis can be mailed, faxed, emailed or hand delivered to U Central. The original notarized immunization affidavit received from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be mailed or hand delivered. Immunization records are not returned to the student, keeping a convenience copy is recommended. 

For questions about the vaccination requirement, please contact: