Bacterial Meningitis

Effective January 1, 2012, Texas Senate Bill 1107 (SB 1107) requires all students entering an institution of higher education (public and private) to either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before the first day of the semester.

Effective October 1, 2013, Texas Senate Bill 1107 has been amended by SB 62. Students who are 22 years of age or older are exempt from the vaccination.

UHD has chosen the services of Magnus Health SMR (Student Medical Record) to provide Web-based access of evidence that a student has taken their Bacterial Meningitis vaccination. All new and former students that meet the new bill requirement are required to register through Magnus Health SMR, to ensure your course registration at UHD is not delayed. If you need assistance submitting your documents to Magnus Health SMR  (Student Medical Records) please call 1-877-461-6831.

UHD will not directly accept student Bacterial Meningitis Immunization records in person, to UHD fax numbers, or UHD email addresses. Please log onto UHD’s student services portal ‘myUHD’ to submit Bacterial Meningitis Immunization records for review by Magnus Health SMR ​(Student Medical Records). You will need to use your Network ID and password. If you need assistance with obtaining your password please refer to the link below:

UHD  Password (click)

The bacterial meningitis vaccination compliance deadline dates are listed below. These dates relate to the term you were admitted (or readmitted) into UHD. Failure to comply by the deadline date for your admissions term will result in your class schedule being dropped and potentially being unable to remain enrolled at UHD.

Important facts about Bacterial Meningitis

• BMV Hold: The BMV hold in SOAHOLD no longer blocks registration.  Students are able to register even if they have not received the vaccine or if the hold is active.
• On-Campus Vaccinations: Students who receive a BMV on campus in Student Health Services will not be required to upload the shot record in the Magnus portal.  This process will be completed for them behind the scenes.  Also, since the on-campus vaccination is for UHD students only, students will not be given access to their vaccination document prior to the beginning of their first term at UHD.  If a student is not planning to attend UHD, please do not refer them to UHD’s Health Services office for a BMV.

FAQs about Bacterial Meningitis and becoming a new student at UHD:

Are there any other options if I decline to take the vaccination?

• An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.
  
  
• If you are declining the vaccination for reason of conscience objection, including a religious belief, you must request the conscience affidavit exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). Once requested, the affidavit form will be mailed from TDSHS to address submitted and then form must be completed and notarized. 
   
  UHD uses third party agency, Magnus Health SMR (Student Medical Record), to provide Web-based access of evidence that a student has taken their Bacterial Meningitis vaccination or has chosen to submit the conscience affidavit exemption form. The affidavit declining the vaccination for reasons of conscience cannot be photocopied and original must be mailed to Magnus Health SMR. The original affidavit exemption form must be submitted to Magnus Health SMR no later than 90 days after having it notarized. Detailed instructions are provided by Magnus Health SMR once you create and log in to your Magnus Health SMR account. For additional information on how to submit your documents to Magnus Health SMR  (Student Medical Records) please call 1-877-461-6831.
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Who is required to comply with the Meningitis Vaccination Law?

All entering students under the age of 22 enrolling in public, private, or independent institution of higher education on or after January 1, 2014.

Any students under 22 years of age who previously attended an institution of higher education before January 1, 2014, and who are re-enrolling in any institution of higher education following a break of a least one fall or spring semester.

If I take classes online or at a distance education UHD site, do I have to have a vaccination?

• If you are only taking classes online you are not required to take the vaccination

• If you are taking any face-to-face UHD courses at any site, you are required to get the Bacterial Meningitis vaccination if you fall within the law requirement.

What UHD Office or department do I submit my Bacterial Meningitis Immunization forms to?

You will not submit any forms to any UHD departments. After registering with Magnus Health SMR, you will submit your documents to Magnus Health SMR. You will do so by uploading your documents to your Magnus Health SMR account or by faxing or mailing your documents directly to Magnus Health SMR. Detailed instructions are provided once you log in to your Magnus Health SMR account.

Where can I get vaccinated?

If you have not been vaccinated within the past 5 years or 10 days prior to the first day of class you are enrolled at UHD, you may be able to receive a Bacterial Meningitis Immunization from the following:

Your health care provider, a local health clinic in your neighborhood, or your local pharmacy.

UHD offers the immunization for UHD students only at the Student Health Services S445 for a cost of $117.

What if I don't know or remember if I have been vaccinated?

Please contact your local health care provider for a medical opinion

What is considered a Bacterial Meningitis vaccination?

The Meningitis vaccination recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (MCV4 and MPSV4) offers protection for Meningitis groups A, C, Y and W-135. The MCV4 and MPSV4 are the only vaccines currently accepted. Please visit the CDC website for additional information.

What happens if I don't submit proper forms or proof of being vaccinated?

A hold will be placed on your student record and you will not be able to register for classes until proper medical documentation is received.

If I need help with creating a Magnus account who can I call?

Once you log onto http://myuhd.uhd.edu, you will be able to attain access to your Magnus Health SMR account where you will receive immediate assistance. You can also call Magnus Support number 877-461-6831.​​