The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Meningitis vaccination required for students under 30

By Neal Garnes

Texas Senate Bill 1107 says no students will be permitted to register for spring classes before receiving a vaccination against bacterial meningitis. This comes with two exceptions: returning students and students 30 years of age and older. According to the Office of Student Engagement and Success, this new law applies to all those registering for classes this spring.

Registration for spring began Nov. 1 with the semester starting on Jan. 19. The new law requires students to be vaccinated 10 days before the start of the new semester. Registration holds have been placed on the student accounts of those students who are required to submit vaccination documentation.

The new law, also known as the Jamie Schanbaum and Nicolis Williams Act, is a senate bill created in response to the February death of Williams, a Texas A&M University student and Schanbaum, a University of Texas at Austin student who lost limbs to meningococcal septicemia.

The bill is of particular importance to college students, where meningitis is a more serious threat.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Advanced meningitis can cause hearing loss, brain damage and loss of limbs.

The cost of the meningitis vaccination will not be covered in the cost of fees. It is a separate charge wherever the vaccine is sold.

Vaccinations will be given on campus for $140 during registration days by Southwest General Med Clinic. Select Walgreens, who can bill to student’s insurance, also administers the vaccine.

The Office of Student Engagement and Success, located in Room 336 of Main Campus Building, is now accepting the evidence of vaccination form. Students must verify the vaccination was received at least 10 days prior to the start of classes, according to the university website. A doctor’s signature is required to complete the form.

For further details on the how Texas A&M-San Antonio will be treating the new law, visit the information page on the university website.

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