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Bacterial Meningitis
Effective January 1, 2012
Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination is required for all new students under age 30. This includes ALL transfer students
and students that have taken either a fall or spring semester off from college.
The state of Texas passed a new law (SB1107) effective Spring Semester 2012 that will require all new students
under age 30 to have a vaccination against bacterial meningitis. All first-time freshman, transfer students, and students
who have taken a leave of absence from school in either a fall or spring semester must have received this vaccination
during the five-year period immediately preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester enrolled or
re-enrolled.
NOTE: This law, as of January 1, 2012, applies to every Texas public, private, and independent college and
university.
The Admission and Records Office has been designated to receive this student evidence of receipt of the vaccination
certificate for verification and reporting to LSCPA. As prescribed by the Law, with this notification Lamar State College-
Port Arthur is providing to you now, and with your registration materials the following: written or electronic notice of
the right of the student or of a parent or guardian of a student, to claim an exemption from the vaccination requirement,
as specified in Section 21.614; and written or electronic notice of the importance of consulting a physician about the need
for the immunization against bacterial meningitis to prevent the disease.
The following evidence must be provided as a Lamar State College-Port Arthur/State of Texas admissions
requirement:
1. Certification from a physician or clinic the date that the student has been vaccinated during the 5-year period
immediately preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class.
2. An affidavit or a certificate from a physician stating that the vaccination would be injurious to the health and wellbeing
of the student.
3. A completed and notarized form approving exception for reasons of Health Conscience as approved by the Texas
Higher Educatin Coordinating Board rules. The approved form for exemption can be found at:
http://www.lamarpa.edu/dept/ar/Forms/Immunization Exemption Affidavit.pdf
4. A completed and notarized form approving exception for reasons of Religious Conscience as approved by the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board rules. The approved form for exemption can be found at:
https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/.
Students are strongly encouraged to visit with their primary care physician or area health clinic as soon as possible to
receive appropriate vaccinations. The deadline to file affidavits for health or religious objection will be 10 days prior to
the start of the semester, same as last day to get the vaccination.
As mandated by the 77th Session of the Texas Legislature, this information is provided to all new college students in
the state of Texas.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress fast. It is an inflammation of the
membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis also can infect the blood. The
disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 people on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths
among college students every year.
There is a treatment for bacterial meningitis, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or
disabilities. The symptoms of bacterial meningitis are:
* High fever * Confusion and sleepiness
* Stiff neck * Rash or purple patch on skin
* Lethargy * Nausea
* Light sensitivity * Severe headache
* Seizures * Vomiting
There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the
body. The more symptoms that appear, the higher the risk is that the cause is bacterial meningitis. When these
symptoms appear, the person should seek immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis of the disease is made by a medical provider and usually is based on a combination of clinical symptoms
and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the
likelihood of recovery.
The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils,
cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.). It also is spread by contact with respiratory or throat secretions. The risk of infection also
is increased by living in close conditions, such as sharing a room/suite in a dormitory or group home.
The possible consequences of the disease are: