Important Reminders:
- Texas Senate Bill 1107, which was passed and signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry, requires all students (under age 30) entering an institution of higher education (public and private) to either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before the first day of the semester.
- Students who have taken a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester at the same or another institution are also required to show evidence of the vaccination. Read more
- According to law provisions, students must have received the vaccination 10 days prior to the start of classes.
- Texas A&M-San Antonio requires that proof of vaccination be submitted to Magnus Health SMR no later than 10 days before the first day of classes.
- A&M-San Antonio will drop the courses of students who have not submitted documentation of the vaccination (or exemption) by the submission deadline.
- Students who are dropped from their courses will be required to provide proof of vaccination before being allowed to re-register.
- The university does not guarantee availability of courses once a student has been dropped. In addition, students who request a reinstatement may be assessed a reinstatement fee of $363.
- The University recommends timely submission of your bacterial meningitis vaccination (Aug. 19) so that preparations can be made in time for the first day of school and to prevent a delay in your enrollment.
- Evidence of Vaccination Form
Low-Cost Meningitis Shots and Voucher Program
Low-income students can apply for assistance through RxHope.com (patience assistance program). Through Rxhope, Menveo Patient Assistance Program can help uninsured students between the ages of 19 and 23 and are at or below the Federal Poverty Level. Students can apply for the program by calling 1-800-589-0837.Cafe College, 210-207-4528) serves as San Antonio’s “one-stop-shop” for college access advice, guidance, and workshops. Funded by the City of San Antonio and managed by the San Antonio Education Partnership, Cafe college (131 El Paso St.) is offering a free Meningitis voucher for students over the age of 19. Students must register at Cafe College and then will go to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District for the vaccine.
Intructions:
1. Go to Café College reception desk and request for a registration form for Café College services. It is important that each student report as referred by Ventanilla de Salud Program. For any questions ask for Rodrigo or Eduardo at Café College.
2. Once registration is complete, request for a voucher to take to the Metro Health Clinics.
3. Go to any of the Metro Health Clinics and show the voucher in order to receive the vaccine for free.Other Low-cost options:
2. Once registration is complete, request for a voucher to take to the Metro Health Clinics.
3. Go to any of the Metro Health Clinics and show the voucher in order to receive the vaccine for free.Other Low-cost options:
- Try calling 211, a program by Texas Health and Human Services Commission providing citizens with information with 60,000 local and state services. When you call, they’ll ask you for your zip code, if you’re military, and your age. The operator will then provide you phone numbers within your zip code of clinics who are administering the vaccine.
- A limited number of Metropolitan Health clinics offer a low-cost vaccine, but we found they’ve long since run out. A receptionist who answered the phone at Barrio Health Center, 1102 Barclay (210-434-2368) said their clinic has run out of the low-cost Meningitis vaccine.
- Methodist Healthcare Ministries has two clinics, the Bishop Ernest T Dixon Jr Clinic, 1954 E. Houston St., Ste. 201 (210.527.1505) and Wesley Health and Wellness Center 1406 Fitch St. (210-922-6922). Both offer the Meningitis vaccine to uninsured students, but only to their registered patients. At this time neither clinic is accepting new patients.
Waiver:
Under Texas education code 51.9192(d)(2) a students can be exempted from immunization for bacterial meningitis for reason of conscience, which may include a religious belief.
Exemption forms can be found online here. The student must print the form, have it notarized, and filed with the University before August 19.
Running out of time? Full-Cost Options:
- Walgreens: $133.99, walk-ins available
- H-E-B: $139, walk-ins available
- Texas MedClinic: $149, walk-ins available
- San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, $145 plus $ 15 administration fee. Student need to set an appointment
Students willing to drive to San Marcos can visit the Personal Health Department Clinic located at 401-A Broadway in San Marcos. The vaccine is available for $85 according to Hays County Website.
Christus Santa Rosa Pedi Mobile Clinic is offering younger students aged 0-18 who are eligible for free immunization, July 17th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 321 N. General McMullen Drive (210.954.3764). The vaccines will be available to children who qualify for “Vaccine for Children’s Program.”
