ARLINGTON_ Incoming Texas college students are being reminded they must be immunized against bacterial meningitis so they can enroll at colleges or universities for the spring 2012 semester.
A new Texas law dictates that all incoming college students under 30 years of age – even those living off campus – must be immunized against the disease starting in January. The law expands on a previously existing law that called for first-time students of public and private colleges who live on campus to be immunized. Area colleges and universities have been reminding students about the new requirement.
At The University of Texas at Arlington students must turn in immunization documentation by Jan. 2. Students will not be allowed to enroll or move on campus without submitting the paperwork on time, according to UTA.
Students can get the vaccine from a private physician; clinic and either use their insurance or pay out of pocket. Students can also check at campus health centers. The vaccine costs $130 at the UTA Student Health Services. More information is available about UTA’s efforts to inform students online at: www.uta.edu/meningitis
A low-cost discounted meningitis vaccine – provided to Tarrant County Public Health by the Texas Department of State Health Services – had been available for $25, said Vanassa JosephÖ, spokeswoman for Tarrant County Public Health. But that vaccine, which is part of the adult safety net program for the uninsured or people who are underinsured, is no longer in supply at Tarrant County Public Health.
“We don’t know if we will receive anymore of the low cost vaccine,” she said, adding that they do have vaccine available for $140 at a first-come first-serve basis.
Check with your university to find out more. Many institutions have posted background about the law and the vaccine, including UNT and Tarrant County College.
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