Submit Proof of Vaccination - University of Houston
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Language and Culture Center

Submit Proof of Vaccination

Texas state law (SB 62) mandates that all entering students under the age of 22 show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination or a booster dose during the five-year period prior to enrolling. Students must get the vaccine at least 10 days before LCC Welcome Week begins. Students may also submit proof of approved conscience exemption from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Impacted Students

  • All newly admitted students under the age of 22
  • Students under the age of 22 who are returning to the Language and Culture Center after an absence of one semester or longer

Acceptable Vaccines

The MCV4 and MPSV4 are the only vaccines currently accepted:

  • MCV4: quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine
  • MPSV4: meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine

Required Documents

One of the following must be submitted to the LCC: 

  • A Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Immunization Compliance Form containing the required information with the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel. The form must be completed fully, including the month, day, and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered.
  • An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority that shows the month, day, and year the vaccination or booster dose was administered. Documentation must be in English and submitted with the Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Immunization Compliance Form.
  • An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, and in which it is stated that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well being of the student. Documentation must be in English and submitted with the Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Immunization Compliance Form.
  • An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state

Submission

We encourage applicants to submit documents to the LCC together with their application.

Deadline

Your vaccination date must be at least 10 days prior to the start of LCC Welcome Week. If you have not submitted proof of your vaccine, you will be required to wait 10 days after your vaccination date to begin classes and move into UH campus housing. If you plan to receive the vaccine in the U.S., you should arrive no later than two weeks prior to the first day of LCC Welcome Week.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will a vaccination from my country fulfill the requirement?

    Yes, a vaccination record for one of the two accepted vaccines from a country outside the U.S. will meet the requirements. If the vaccination record is in a language other than English, we will need a certified English translation of the document.

  • Can I present medical documentation from my country in order to get an exemption due to medical reasons?

    The Meningitis Vaccination Law requires that you visit a doctor in the U.S. to be able to get an exemption for medical reasons. We recommend that you bring an English translation of your records with you, so that you can present them to a U.S. physician. You will need to make sure that your travel arrangements will give you sufficient time to visit a doctor in the U.S. at least ten days before the start of LCC Welcome Week.

  • Where can I get the bacterial meningitis vaccine in the U.S.?

    The bacterial meningitis vaccine is available at most doctors' offices and private clinics, pharmacy chains (e.g., CVS, Walgreens), and some minor emergency centers or medi-clinics. The Student UH Health Center offers the bacterial meningitis vaccine for a cost to admitted students. Call them in advance to confirm that the facility offers the vaccine and accepts your insurance.

  • How can I get an exemption for reasons of conscience?

    You must follow the same guidelines and procedures outlined for domestic students. Please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website for more information.

  • What happens if I don't provide the necessary documentation?

    You will not be able to attend the mandatory LCC Welcome Week or begin classes until the proper documentation is received.

  • What are the common reasons you would not accept my documentation for proof of bacterial meningitis immunization?

    The most common reasons that student documentation may not be accepted and have to be resubmitted include:

    • Record is not legible. The copy is not clear or important information is cut off.
    • Documentation is not recognized. Some doctors will use their own abbreviations or documentation and these are not understood.
    • Incomplete dates. Dates must include the day, month, and year.
    • Invalid vaccine. Documentation submitted does not include the specific type of bacterial meningitis vaccine or is for an unacceptable vaccine.