Student Immunization Requirements

Meningitis Vaccine Requirement

In accordance with Texas State Law SB 62, All entering students at an institution of higher education are required to show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination (MCV4, MenACWY, Menveo, Menactra, or MenQuadfi) dose or booster vaccine ) during the five-year period prior to enrolling.

All new students of St. Mary’s University, including transfer and returning students, who are under the age of 22 must submit the Meningitis Vaccine Requirement Form prior to registering for classes. The form is available on Gateway. Students must get the vaccine at least 10 days before the first class day of their first semester at St. Mary’s University.

Students who fail to provide proof of their meningitis vaccination, as required by Texas Law & the Texas Board of Education, risk being dropped from their classes.  *Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rules, Chapter 21, Subchapter T, §21.612, §21.613, and §21.614

The vaccine may be obtained from your private doctor, a local clinic or urgent care center, or local pharmacy. Please call the Student Health Center at 210-436-3506 if you are having difficulty finding the vaccine so that we may assist you.

Important: Students who intend to register for classes during a Rattler Orientation session must submit the Meningococcal Meningitis (A, C, W-125, Y) Vaccine Requirement Form at least 1 week prior to a scheduled orientation session. Students cannot register for classes until this information is received by the Student Health Center.

Meningitis Vaccine Exemption Process:

Students who are seeking a medical exemption must submit a note from their clinic. Per state law, it must be signed by a medically licensed MD or DO and it must clearly state the reason why you are not able to receive the vaccine. The note is only valid for one year and must be re-submitted the next year if necessary.

Students who choose to seek an exemption to the meningitis vaccination for reason of conscience must submit the affidavit for exemption from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to our office.  Information on obtaining this form can be found online at this link: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/exemptions.aspx.  It may take up to two weeks to receive the DSHS Vaccine Exemption form by mail, so plan accordingly.  The original exemption form must be submitted to the Student Health Center at least 10 days prior to the first class day or one week prior to a scheduled Rattler Orientation session. The original form is required in our office.  We cannot, by Texas law, accept a photocopy of the form.

The original medical exemption form must be mailed or hand-delivered to:
St. Mary’s University
Student Health Center, Box 45
Attn: Meningitis Vaccine Immunization Officer
San Antonio, Texas, 78228-8545

For more information on the Texas vaccine mandate and Texas vaccine exemption process, go to: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunization-unit/texas-school-child-care-facility-immunization/texas-minimum-state-vaccine-2 or call the Student Health Center at 210-436-3506.

Tuberculosis (Tb) Screening Requirement of International Students

All International students must complete the TB Screening Questionnaire and TB Risk Assessment Form, and submit this form to the Student Health Center PRIOR to the first class day. The form can be submitted in person, mailed, or emailed to the Student Health Center. TB skin testing (Mantoux) must be performed in the United States. TB blood testing, also known as Interferon Gamma Release Assay for Tuberculosis or IGRA TB blood test can be performed in your home country. For more information about this requirement, please visit the Student Health Center webpage. You can download the TB Screening Questionnaire and TB Risk Assessment Form from this site. For any questions regarding the TB screening requirement, please call the Student Health Center at 210-436-3506 or email us at healthcenter@stmarytx.edu.

Recommended Vaccinations for All Students

All students should review their immunization status with your private doctor. It is important that you update your immunizations PRIOR to attending St. Mary’s University. The following vaccinations are recommended:

• MMR – measles, mumps and rubella
• Tdap – Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis
• Varicella vaccine
• Polio vaccine series
• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Influenza vaccine – seasonal