Meningitis Vaccination

Required for new & transfer students under 22 years of age:

As of Oct. 1, 2013, Texas state law requires the following:

All entering students under 22 years of age must provide documentation of receiving an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster within the last 5 years. This includes all new and transfer students, as well as former students who are re-enrolling after a break in enrollment.  Students must show proof of having the vaccination at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester.

Students may not register until documentation of vaccination is on file.

What is the deadline for receiving the vaccine?

The vaccination must have been administered within the five-year period immediately preceding the first semester of enrollment and at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester. Students may not register until documentation of vaccination is on file.

How do I prove I have received the vaccination?

You must provide a copy of your vaccination record to the Registrar’s Office (do not submit originals). Kilgore College will not return vaccination records submitted nor provide copies for use at other schools. Records may be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person to the Registrar's Office.

Kilgore College Registrar’s Office
1100 Broadway
Kilgore, TX 75662
Fax: (903) 983-8607
Devall Student Center, 2nd Floor

An acceptable record of vaccination is one of the following:

• A vaccination record that includes the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee or public health personnel. Must include month, day and year the vaccination was administered.
• An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority.
• An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state.
• The vaccination record must show receipt of either the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Menomune or MPSV4) or meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra or Menveo or MCV4).

Are there exemptions from receiving the vaccine?

Yes. Students age 22 and older are exempt. A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student, or a parent or guardian of a student, submits to the institution:

1. An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.

Can I fill out a form saying I object to the vaccination?

Yes, you can.  Fill out an Exemption from Meningococcal Vaccination Requirements for Reasons of Conscience.

Where can I get the shot?

Each county has a public health division that may be able to administer the shot. The vaccine can also be administered by a private physician’s office.  Vaccinations may also be available at retail pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS. Make sure to bring your insurance cards, because they do accept some.

Also, please make sure to call ahead of time to the location where you wish to receive the vaccine to make sure that:

1. They have the vaccine on-hand and...
2. You are eligible to receive the vaccine from that particular place

County Health Departments:

Under new guidelines, county health departments can't offer the meningococcal vaccine for anyone 19 years or older, regardless of insurance and/or school requirements.

More information about Bacterial Meningitis:

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord - also called the meninges. It is important that students consult a physician about the need for the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease. More information about the causes, symptoms, types, risks and seriousness as well as ways to prevent meningococcal meningitis are available through the following links (All links open in a new window):

• Bacterial Meningitis Fact Sheet from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Meningococcal Vaccines Flyer from CDC
• Gregg County Health Department
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

For even more information, visit: www.CollegeVaccineRequirements.com.