Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine

The Texas Legislature requires all entering students, unless exempt, to show evidence of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccine or a booster dose. This must occur during the five-year period preceding, and at least 10 days prior to the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls at an institution.

An entering student includes a first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and includes a transfer student, or a student who previously attended an institution of higher education before January 1, 2012, and who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester. Applicants who fail to provide evidence of vaccination will not be allowed to register for classes at Amarillo College.

Exemptions

1. Students aged 22 or older by the first day semester.
2. Students enrolled in classes delivered completely online.
3. Students enrolled in a continuing education class or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training.
4. Students enrolled in dual credit classes taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on campus.
5. Students who submit 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 physicians' opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.
6. Students who submit the signed Texas Department of State Health Services exemption form declining the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including religious belief.

Meningococcal Vaccination Exemption Website

Students Who Have Been Vaccinated

Students who have been vaccinated against Bacterial Meningitis may provide shot/immunization records or the Amarillo College Evidence of Vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis form completed by the healthcare provider who administered the immunization.

Records must include the following information:

• Students' name
• Students' date of birth
• Date of vaccination
• Type of vaccination received
• Must be able to identify who administered the vaccination 

Complete the Bacterial Meningitis form