Meningitis Vaccine

Shots required for all new students

Due to mandates required by Texas Senate Bill 62, all new incoming students who are 21 years of age or younger will need to show proof of a meningitis vaccination at least 10 days prior to the first day of classes. Students will not be able to register until proof is presented of vaccination or of a booster during the five-year period prior to enrollment.

Vaccination Locations

DMC Vaccination Exemption form due to health reasons (MCV4 health exemption form)

Students requesting a vaccination exemption due to health reasons should print this DMC Vaccination Exemption Form Due to Health Reasons and submit it with accompanying information from a healthcare professional to the Admissions Office located in the Student Enrollment Center.

Exemption Form due to conscience objection

Students enrolling at Del Mar College wishing to submit a vaccination exemption for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, must complete the Exemption from Meningococcal Vaccination Requirements for Reasons of Conscience Form on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website.

Vaccination Locations

A listing of meningitis vaccination locations (PDF format) is available, including cost. We encourage you to check with your healthcare provider and health clinics in your area as well.

• Learn more about the bacterial meningitis vaccination requirement from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Meningitis FAQ

Important facts about Bacterial Meningitis

This information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. 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.

What are the symptoms?

• High fever
• Rash or purple patches on skin
• Light sensitivity
• Confusion and sleepiness
• Lethargy
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Seizures

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, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually 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.

How is the disease transmitted?

• The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.

How do you increase your risk of getting bacterial meningitis?

• Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
• Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).

What are the possible consequences of the disease?

• Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
• Permanent brain damage
• Kidney failure
• Learning disability
• Hearing loss, blindness
• Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
• Gangrene
• Coma
• Convulsions

Can the disease be treated?

• Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However permanent disability or death can still occur.
• Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
  
  • Those living in close quarters
  • College students 25 years old or younger
• Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
• Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
• The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
• Vaccination is very safe - most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
• Vaccination is available at your health care provider.

How can I find out more information?

• Contact your own healthcare provider.
• Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at 888-7762.
• Visit www.acha.org