Immunization Requirement: Bacterial Meningitis (ACYW-135)

The State of Texas requires all incoming students to provide proof of vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis, or an approved exemption, at least 10 days before classes begin. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and can also infect the blood.

There are 5 primary types of bacteria, A,C,Y,W-135, and B, that cause meningococcal disease, also known as meningitis. There are different vaccines for each group type. There are vaccines that cover the ACYW-135 group, that meet the current state requirement, and there are vaccines for group B meningitis. Although the vaccine that protects against the ACYW-135 strains is currently required, we recommend both. Please consult with your healthcare provider about the benefits of both vaccinations.

 

Submit a vaccination record for bacterial meningitis if you:

  • Are 21 years of age and younger and are entering TSU for the first time.
  • Are 21 years of age and younger and returning to TSU after a break in enrollment of one fall/spring semester.
  • Plan to live in campus housing.
  • You are exempt from immunization requirement if you will be 22 years old or older by the first day of class

To submit your immunization record to Student Health Services, you must have a TSU email and T-Number.

Here’s how to submit your immunization record to Student Health Services.

  1. Print out and complete the Immunization Compliance Cover Sheet & Acknowledgement Form.
  2. Print out the Vaccination Administration Record and give it to the healthcare provider to record your immunization or provide a copy of your current immunization record.
  3. Upload your documents to the "My Tiger Health Patient Portal" at  http://tsu.medicatconnect.com 
  4. You must have a TSU email account and a T-number to upload your immunization record into the My Tiger Health Patient Portal. Student Health Services will send a message to your TSU email after your record has been reviewed.
  5. You will receive an email from Student Health Services after your immunization record has been reviewed. The email will come from “NoReply@Medicat.com” and state you have received a Secure Message from TSU Health or Counseling.
  6. The email will state that your immunization record was accepted, and the hold will be removed, or your immunization record was invalid and give instructions on what you need to do to correct the record.
  7. Once you click on the link to open you Secure Message, select “messages” on the left side of the page to view your message.
    • Remember to check your spam folder for the secure message.
  8. Allow 3 business days for processing.
  9. If additional assistance is needed, call Student Health Services at 713-313-7173.

Remember to upload a copy of your Vaccine Administration Record and the Immunization Compliance Cover Sheet & Acknowledgment Form to http://tsu.medicatconnect.com. You will not be considered compliant until this step has been completed.

Important Points to Remember When Submitting an Immunization Record:

  • Your shot record must be legible
  • We cannot accept records older than 5 years old.
  • The immunization must be administered at least 10 days before classes begin.
  • All international records must be translated into English.
  • You must have a TSU email and T-Number to access the patient portal.
  • Please allow 3 business days for processing and check your spam folder for the message if not in your inbox.

If you cannot login to the patient portal, contact Student Health Services at 713-313-7173 for assistance.

Please allow 3 business days for processing.

Exemptions 

Affidavits

Students who wish to submit an exemption for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, must request the official Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) affidavit form. This may be done online, by mail or fax. Once requested, the form will be mailed to you from DSHS. Please allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery of the form. Please choose one of the following options to request the form from DSHS:

Immunization Branch, Mail Code 1946

P.O. Box 149347

Austin, TX 78714

Once the affidavit is received, it must be completed and notarized. This form is a State of Texas Form and must be notarized by a Texas Notary. Student Health Services must receive the original affidavit, copies will not be accepted.

The Affidavit can be hand delivered or mailed to Texas Southern University, Student Health Services, 3100 Cleburne St., Houston, Texas 77004. Please take all precautions you can when mailing your Affidavit, it is your responsibility to ensure we receive the Affidavit.

Medical Exemptions

To accept a medical exemption, it must be signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States. It should state that in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student. It must include the physician’s contact information and it must be signed by the physician. Please choose from the following options to send in your medical exemption.

Upload to the My Tiger Health Patient Portal at  http://tsu.medicatconnect.com

If you need additional assistance, Student Health Services is available at 713-313-7173.

Providing a valid immunization record for bacterial meningitis (ACWY) or an approved exemption is required by the State of Texas. Failure to submit the required documentation to Student Health Services will result in removal from classes.