Vaccination Requirement – Bacterial Meningitis

Vaccination Requirement

Per Texas Senate Bill no. 62, beginning January 1, 2014, all entering Texas college students, under the age of 22, must receive a vaccination or booster (if the vaccination is five years old) against bacterial meningitis before enrollment. Acceptable forms of the vaccination include Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY), Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccines (MCV) or MenQuadfi.  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) notes the vaccination with the MenB vaccine does not replace the vaccination with MENACWY. Therefore, it does not constitute as a replacement for the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) and does not fulfill the vaccination requirement.

To attend classes, you must submit:

1. A completed Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine Requirement Form (PDF)
2. Proof of immunization or the Affidavit for Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience. Initiate your request to TDSHS well before your intended orientation date. It may take a few weeks to receive your form during peak times.  Here is the link to the application. CO Request (texas.gov)

Only original copies of Affidavits are accepted and should be mailed, or hand delivered to the University.  We do not accept copies or online submissions.  Please mail to the following address:

The University of Texas at Dallas The Office of the Registrar, SSB13 800 West Campbell Rd Richardson, TX 75080-3021

Evidence of vaccination must verify that the vaccination was received during the five year period prior to and no later than 10 days before the first day of the term, per the academic calendar.  Failure to receive vaccination by the dates below will prevent you from attending classes for the term.

If you are returning to campus or considered a new, incoming or transfer student, please see the following:

Attending Spring 2025 Term - Meningitis vaccine must be taken between January 21, 2020 and January 11, 2025.

Attending Summer 2025 Term - Meningitis vaccine must be taken between June 2, 2020 and May 23, 2025.

Attending Fall 2025 Term - Meningitis vaccine must be taken between August 25, 2020 and August 15, 2025.

What is acceptable evidence of vaccination?

Documentation must be in English, state the name and other information sufficient to identify the individual who received the required vaccination, state the month, date and year the vaccine was administered.

1. Documentation of vaccines administered that include the signature or stamp of the physician or physician's designee, or public health personnel.  Immunization records generated from electronic health record systems must include clinic contact information and the provider's signature/stamp.  
2. An official immunization record generated from the state or local health authority
3. An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state.  

Where do I submit the paperwork?

To submit the requirement form and supporting documents, follow the instructions below:

1. Log in to Orion. galaxy.utdallas.edu
2. Click on “Admissions Forms” tile, Vaccination Requirement – Bacterial Meningitis
3. Click on “Submit Meningitis Vaccine”
4. Enter your name, UTD ID and Date of Birth on the form
5. Attach the form and supporting documents (.HEIC format is not accepted.  Must be in .PDF, .JPEG, or .IMG) 
6. Verify the information
7. Enter your netID
8. Click “Submit” button

If you have issues submitting the paperwork online, please email your documents to records@utdallas.edu 

Do I have to get the meningitis vaccination?

• Entering students 22 years of age or older by the first day of class for the semester are exempt.
• Students taking online classes only should submit an Online Enrollment Only Exemption Request form (PDF)
• If your physician recommends that for health reasons the student not receive the immunization, the student should submit a Vaccine Requirement Form (PDF) and submit a note from the physician. The signed note should be on either office letterhead or on prescription paper.
• If for reasons of conscience, including religious belief you are declining the vaccination, students should submit a completed Vaccine Requirement Form (PDF) and an Affidavit from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Initiate your request to TDSHS well before your intended orientation date. It may take several weeks to receive your form during peak times.  Please see above regarding submitting Affidavits. 

How do I request a bacterial meningitis vaccination verification letter after I submitted to UTD?

Current, alumni and former students who submitted their proof of immunization prior to enrollment can obtain proof that they met the requirement. We do not provide copies of vaccination records.  However, we can provide a letter verifying the date you received the Meningitis Vaccination.  Here are the instructions on how to obtain a verification letter.  Click here for the instructions.

About Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacterium that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. For more information, please review “What You Need to Know About Meningitis" (PDF).

Vaccination Locations

• Collin County
• Dallas County
• Denton County
• Tarrant County
• UT Dallas Student Health Center
• Any healthcare provider, clinic or pharmacy

Questions? Email: records@utdallas.edu