Vaccination Required for Most New College Students

Students who will be new to South Texas College in the spring 2012 semester can get a jump on preparations for the semester by doing one simple thing – ensuring they have gotten a Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination.

A new Texas law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2012 that requires all incoming college freshmen to have an initial Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination or booster dose. It is important to note there are several exceptions including students who were enrolled in the college in the fall semester and are returning for the spring, students 30 years of age or older at the start of the spring semester, students enrolled in only online courses or continuing education courses, or students enrolled in dual enrollment courses held off the college’s campuses.

“All incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning students who did not attend STC in the fall 2011 semester will be required to show proof of immunization against bacterial meningitis,” explained Kim McKay, interim dean of enrollment services.”


For those impacted by the law, STC will accept three forms of evidence of vaccination including an official immunization record, an official school vaccination record or a signature or stamp of a physician or health official showing the month, day and year the vaccination or booster was administered. Records should be submitted to the college’s Admissions Office.

“Bacterial Meningitis is a very serious, sometimes fatal, disease that is easily spread on college campuses and we are trying to take all of the proper precautions to protect the health and well-being of our students,” explained McKay. “Students will need to provide proof of immunization by Friday, Jan. 27, 2012.”

For more information about the state law, STC’s policy or where to obtain a vaccination, visit http://vaccinate.southtexascollege.edu/ or call 956-872-8311.