Entering Student Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

New State Mandate Effective January 1, 2012

Pursuant to SB 1107 enacted by the State of Texas, all entering students under the age of 30 must provide proof that the meningitis vaccination was administered no later than 10 days prior to the first day of the term. Proof must be received by the Admissions and Records Office before the student will be allowed to register for classes.  Vaccination must have been received or renewed within the last 5 years. 

An entering student is defined as a student who is a first-time student of an institution of higher education, a transfer student from another college, or a returning student who has had a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.  

Bacterial Meningitis

National Meningitis Association

Acceptable proof of meningitis vaccination include:

• an Evidence of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination or Exemption Form signed and/or stamped by designee who administered the vaccine
• an official immunization record with date of vaccination
• a signed or stamped physician's note to include date of vaccination
• an official school record with date of vaccination

      ***Vaccinations over 5 years old will not be accepted.***

To send proof of vaccination or exemption:

Mail to:
              South Plains College
              Admissions and Records Office, Box C
              1401 S. College Ave.
              Levelland, TX 79336

Email as an attachment no larger than 500 KB to:
              admissions@southplainscollege.edu  

The legislation exempts students who:

• are 30 years of age or older by the official first class day of the semester.  No action is required by the student to receive this automatic exemption.
• enroll only in 100% online or other distance education courses. Evidence of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination or Exemption Form must be submitted before student will be allowed to register.  (NOTE:  Students who are required to come on campus for proctored exam MUST provide proof of the meningitis vaccination.) 
• enroll in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a higher education institution campus.  (NOTE:  Dual credit students taking classes at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center and Upward Bound students MUST provide proof of the meningitis vaccination.) 
• submit an affidavit or certificate signed by a duly licensed physician that states, in the physician’s opinion, that the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.
• submit an affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for reasons of conscience, including religious belief.
• If the student is NOT LIVING IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING, a conscientious exemption form obtain directly  from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at must be used.
• If the student is LIVING IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING, a conscientious exemption form obtain directly  from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used. Allow several weeks to submit and have the form approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• enroll in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training.
• are incarcerated in a Texas prison.

South Plains College students who were enrolled in the Fall 2011 semester and remain continuously enrolled each consecutive spring and fall semester, will not be required to submit proof of the meningitis vaccination.

Meningitis Vaccine Providers and Cost Information as of 5/24/12

We strongly recommend calling ahead to confirm vaccines are on hand. Supply will change hourly.