Immunization Alert

S. B. 1517 passed by the State Legislature during spring, 1991, amended Sections 2.09 and 2.09a of the Texas Education Code and requires that institutions of higher education provide each student applying for admission certain information about immunization. Although proof of adequate immunization is not specifically required for admission to Navarro College (with exception of international students, details outlined in this catalog.), immunization information is provided as follows:

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Antibiotics are not available to treat people infected with this organism. Outbreaks of this illness have caused many hospitalizations and deaths among college-aged people; for these reasons, it is strongly recommended students have two doses of the vaccine prior to beginning classes. Most young adults have had only one dose. The measles vaccine is most often given in combination with the vaccines for mumps and rubella, which are also caused by viruses.

Tetanus

The illness caused by tetanus results from the poison produced by a bacteria. This is a very difficult illness to treat once it occurs, and prevention is the most appropriate choice. The vaccine is effective for about 10 years and needs to be boosted at that interval. It is common for older adults to develop tetanus in the United States as many adults do not receive the recommended 10 year booster. The tetanus vaccine should be given in combination with the diphtheria vaccine.

Poliomyelitis

In the United States, polio immunization is not routinely recommended for people 18 years of age or older. However, students planning travel to other parts of the world should consult a physician for specific recommendations.

Meningitis

As of January 1, 2012, all entering students were required to show evidence of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccine or a booster dose during the five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls at an institution. An entering student includes a first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and includes a transfer student, or a student who previously attended an institution of higher education before January 1, 2012, and who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.

Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast – so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

Exceptions to Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

• A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student meets any of the following criteria: The student is 22 years of age or older by the first day of the start of the semester (effective 1/1/2014); or
• the student is enrolled only in online or other distance education courses; or
• the student is enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours, or continuing education corporate training; or
• the student is enrolled in a dual credit course which is taught at a public or private K-12 facility not located on a higher education institution campus; or
• the student is incarcerated in a Texas prison.

A student is not required to submit evidence of receiving the vaccination against bacterial meningitis if the student submits to the institution:

• An affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, stating that in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student; or
• An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) must be used, or
• Confirmation that the student has completed the Internet-based Department of State Health Services form to claim an exemption for reasons of conscience (for entering students at public junior colleges ONLY). For Public Junior College Students only: to access the DSHS secure on-line exemption form click here: https://corequestjc.dshs.texas.gov/ A copy of the form must be submitted to the designated school official at the institution the student will be attending.

A student may register during pre-registration by signing a waiver (in the admission’s office)stating that they realize if they do not submit the immunization form or an affidavit declining the shot for reasons of conscience they will be dropped 10 days prior to classes starting.

Local Immunization Services

For more information on immunizations, contact your physician or public health clinic.

Health Professions Program

Certain immunizations are mandatory for students majoring in health profession fields. For information regarding immunizations, contact the Health Professions Office.