Attention seniors: NEW immunization requirements for college freshmen

Here are the official words:

The State of Texas has passed a new law (HR 4189) that requires all first-time freshman and transfer students who wish to live in campus residence halls or apartments to have a vaccination against bacterial meningitis.

All first-time freshman and transfer students wishing to live on campus after January 1, 2010 must provide the following before moving into campus housing:

1. Certification from a physician (shot record) evidencing that the student has been vaccinated at least ten (10) days prior to moving into the residence halls; or

2. An affidavit or a certificate from a physician stating that the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well being of the student or stating that the vaccination has been declined for reasons of conscience.

The approved form for an exemption can be found at: https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm.

Meningococcal Disease is devastating, with risks that can include amputation, scarring, hearing loss and neurological damage and death. Students going to college and staying in dorms are the most at risk with up to 5 times higher fatality rates that other ages. Younger students are also be at risk.