Texas Meningitis Requirement: Objection Forms

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Magnus Health
July 26, 2012
Blog
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Texas Meningitis Requirement: Objection Forms

As of April 25, 2012, a second objection form was created by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Below are the guidelines provided by the THECB, as well as a few scenarios to explain when each of the forms should be used: 

Conscientious Objection form for student NOT LIVING IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING: For new students (age 18 years or olderat institutions of higher education and NOT living or residing in on-campus housing, who wish to file an affidavit stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, the student may use the official Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s form, accessible from the website. The student must print the form, have it notarized, and file it with the institution’s Registrar’s Office or other designated department or unit.

  • Example: Roger is a 26-year-old that has enrolled in graduate school courses. He and his wife will be renting a house off-campus. Because he is over the age of 18 and not living in student housing, he’ll need to complete the new Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board form.

Conscientious Objection form for student LIVING IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING, OR UNDER AGE 18: For new students living in on-campus housing, which includes student housing facilities located on the campus of an institution of higher education, such as dormitories, sorority and fraternity houses, privately owned residence halls, and apartments, the student must use the official Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) form. The DSHS form may be ordered electronically. It is then mailed from DSHS to the student and it may take up to two weeks to receive the form. *This form must also be used by students under the age of 18, regardless of whether they are living on or off campus.*

  • Example: John is a 17-year-old student that will be attending a community college in the fall. The school does not provide on-campus housing; therefore, John has rented a nearby apartment. Even though John is living off campus, he needs to obtain the Texas Department of State Health Services form because he is under the age of 18.
  • Example: Chloe is a 20-year-old transfer student who will be living in a dorm at her new school. She also needs to request the form provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services because she will be staying in on-campus housing.

For additional information regarding the Texas Meningitis Requirement check out some of the resources that we have available on our website.