New Texas Law for Meningitis Vaccine

In May, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1107, a law that requires new college students to provide proof of receiving a bacterial meningitis vaccine 10 days prior to the start of classes. The updated 2011 law is an expansion of the 2009 law that required only students who were living on campus to receive a vaccine. The revised requirements will apply to all incoming students at the college and university levels, whether they are transfer or returning students, including those who live off campus.

Part of the new legislation will require private and independent institutions of higher education to assign a department to obtain proof from students that ensures they have received an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination or booster dose. If a student is not able to get vaccinated by the time classes begin, the law will allow for a 10-day extension after classes start.

With the cost of the vaccine as much as $300 if the student is not insured, there is concern some students won’t be able to afford it. To address this, the Lone Star College System (LSCS) has joined with the Central Care Community Health Center (CCCHC) to offer $10 bacterial meningitis vaccinations for its nearly 6,000 LSCS students.