Tyler Reporter

University of Texas Tyler issued the following announcement.

Beginning in January 2012, the following students will be required to provide documentation of the vaccination for bacterial meningitis prior to completing the registration process.

• All first-time UT Tyler students who are younger than 22 years of age
• Students (younger than 22 years of age) who have previously attended UT Tyler but were not enrolled during the fall 2011 semester

Again, failure to provide documentation will delay your registration process.

We encourage all students to consult a physician about the importance of the vaccine as a preventative measure.

Exemptions

Exemptions for this requirement are as follows:

• The student is 22 years of age or older.
• The student is enrolled in online-only programs. If the student attends any on-campus classes, they must submit proof of vaccination.
• The student submits an affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice in the United States, stating, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the student's health and well-being.
• The student submits a signed affidavit stating the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas department of State Health Services must be used: Conscientious Objection Form

Graduate Students: Eligible domestic and international graduate students must submit documentation of immunization from an appropriate medical professional. Failure to provide documentation will cause delays in the registration process. Documentation must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions at least 10 days prior to the beginning of classes.

The Office of Graduate Admissions STE 345

The University of Texas at Tyler

3900 University Blvd

Tyler Texas 75799

If you are a graduate student enrolled only in online courses, please follow these instructions to release the hold. (ogs@uttyler.edu or 903.566.7457).

• Vaccination Locations
• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. The bacteria are spread by direct close contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person.

Prevention depends on the use of vaccines, rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment of close personal contacts.

More information can be found at the College Vaccine Requirements website.

Original source can be found here.