Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination
State Compliance Requirements to Secure Your Enrollment
In compliance with Texas state law (Senate Bill 1107), College of the Mainland requires all entering higher education students under 22 to provide proof of an initial immunization or booster dose against bacterial meningitis.
Critical Timelines & Deadlines
Timing is crucial to ensure your documents are processed before classes begin:
- The 10-Day Rule: Your vaccination or booster dose must be administered at least 10 days prior to the first official day of your entry semester.
- The 5-Year Rule: The vaccination must have been received within the five-year period immediately preceding your first day of class. If your shot was taken more than 5 years ago, you must receive a booster.
Who Needs to Submit Documentation
This requirement applies to the following student populations under 22 years of age:
- All first-time college freshmen.
- All incoming transfer students.
- All returning students who are re-enrolling after a break of at least one long semester.
- All new and returning Continuing Education students enrolled in programs with 360 or more contact hours.
Acceptable Proof of Vaccination
Your submitted document must be in English and clearly show the student’s full name, date of birth, and the exact month, day, and year on which the vaccine was administered.
Acceptable formats include:
- An official immunization record sheet bearing the signature or stamp of a licensed physician, US health practitioner, or local public health official.
- An official record generated directly by a state or local health authority (such as ImmTrac2).
- An official immunization transcript received directly from a previously attended high school or college.
Official Exemptions & Waivers
A student is legally exempt from the vaccination requirement if they meet one of the
following criteria:
Age Exemption:
Student must be 22 years of age or older by the first day of the semester. (No paperwork
required; the system clears this automatically based on your birthdate).
Medical Exemption:
Submit a certificate signed by a physician registered and licensed to practice medicine
in the United States stating that, in their medical opinion, the vaccine would be
injurious to your health.
You submit an official, notarized affidavit declining the vaccine. You must generate
and print this document directly from the state portals; generic notes are not accepted.
Vaccination Locations
Health Departments & Services
Retail Pharmacies & Walk-In Clinics
Admissions Office
Admissions Hours:
- Monday–Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Wednesday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
