Health Requirement

Meningitis Vaccine Law

Effective October 1, 2013, a recent change to Texas State law (SB 62) mandates that all first-time students at the institution under the age of 22 provide a certificate signed by a health care provider or an official immunization record verifying that the student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, or has received a booster during the five years preceding admission to the University.

An entering student includes:

  • A new student, including transfer students.
  • A student previously enrolled in any institution of higher education following a break of at least one fall, spring, or summer semester.

Proof of the vaccine must be received by Health Services prior to the 10th day before the first day of the term.

This law does not apply to students enrolled in online only courses, other distance education courses, or current UIW students who have maintained continuous enrollment at the institution.

View more information regarding the meningitis vaccine law, exemptions, locations and costs to receive a vaccine.


More Information

Additional info below can be found at the National Meningitis Association website.

  • Symptoms and consequence of the disease
  • How the disease is transmitted
  • Available treatments for the disease
  • Availability, effectiveness, and possible risks/side effects of the vaccine and treatments for the disease
  • Sources of additional information regarding the disease