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Bacterial Meningitis Requirement

Texas law requires most incoming college students to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis or to provide an exemption request declining the vaccine.

The vaccination must be within the last five years and occur at least 10 days before the start of classes.

It is strongly recommended that you provide proof vaccination or exemption before you register to avoid being dropped from class.

Please read the frequently asked questions.


Does This Affect You?

You are REQUIRED if any of the following apply:
You are enrolling for the first time as a credit student.
You are returning after a break in enrollment of one semester or more.
You are transferring to ACC from another college or university.
You are a Continuing Education student who is enrolled in integrated credit classes. (Check with CE for instructions.)


You are EXEMPT if any of the following apply:
You are over 22 years of age.
You are an Early College Start or Early College High School student.
You are transferring to ACC from another Texas college or university and have been continuously enrolled in every fall and spring semester since fall 2011. Submit an official transcript from your college or university for verification.
You are taking Continuing Education classes that are NOT integrated with credit classes and have fewer than 360 contact hours. (Check with CE for instructions.)
You obtain a medical exemption (see below).
You obtain a conscientious objection exemption (see below).

Still not sure? If you are unsure whether you are affected by the requirement, log in to your Online Services account.

Student Deadlines

Students registering for classes have until the next tuition payment/compliance deadline to be marked "in compliance" with the meningitis requirement. Those students who remain out of compliance by the deadline will be dropped from their classes without notice.

Completing the meningitis document process takes time. Act early to get your documents submitted to Magnus Health SMR. ACC removes student holds only after Magnus Health confirms your compliance.

Check your status: View your meningitis hold status in Online Services to verify that all information has been received by ACC and that your hold has been ended after receipt of confirmation from Magnus Health.

Compliance/Tuition Payment Deadlines

Summer 2013

If you registered between ... You must pay/comply by:
April 8 - May 3 Friday, May 3 at 5 p.m.
May 6- May 17 Friday, May 17 at 5 p.m.
May 18 - May 22 Wednesday, May 22 at 5 p.m.

Cancelled class and schedule change payment deadlines

If you added classes between ... You must pay/comply by:
May 28-May 29 Wednesday, May 29 at 5 p.m.
July 8 - July 9 Tuesday, July 9 at 5 p.m.

Obtaining the Necessary Documentation

You must provide the applicable documentation to avoid enrollment delays.

Vaccination documents*:

  • A document bearing the signature or stamp of the physician, a designee, or the public health personnel who administered the immunization.
  • An official immunization record generated by a state or local health authority.
  • An official immunization record from another school, including those from another state.

*Must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered.

Exemption documents:

Type of exemption Form required

Medical exemption

An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician. The physician must be registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States. The affidavit must state the physician's opinion that the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.

To submit a medical exemption:

  1. From your Magnus Health account, download and print the sample affidavit form.
  2. Take the affidavit form to your physician.
  3. Have the physician complete and sign the form.
  4. Make a copy of the form for your records.
  5. Submit the original form using the instructions posted at your Magnus Health account (see below).

Conscientious objection exemption

An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To submit a conscientious objection exemption:

  2. Fill out the form but DO NOT sign it.
  3. Have the form notarized by a notary public (fees may apply). You also may visit one of the notary publics at ACC for free notarization.
  4. Copy the notarized form for your records. The Admissions Office can assist you with this.
  5. Follow the "Instructions for Submitting Documents" to submit your notarized document to Magnus Health for verification/approval.

Instructions for Submitting Documents

Whether you obtain a vaccination or exemption, you must submit the appropriate documents to Magnus Health SMR, ACC’s contracted compliance partner:

  1. Log in to your Online Services account. Locate the "Academic Planning" heading.
  2. Click on the "Student Statuses" link. Locate the “Health Records Compliance” hold.
  3. Click the link next to the hold. You will be taken to the Magnus Health website.
  4. Complete Magnus Health form to create an account. Your login name and temporary password will be emailed to you.
  5. Log in to your Magnus Health account.
  6. View a brief video with instructions on submitting your documentation.
  7. Download the personalized cover sheet and instructions.
  8. Obtain the vaccination or exemption if you have not already done so.
  9. As directed by Magnus, upload, fax, or mail as instructed.
  10. Allow up to 2 business days to remove the registration hold.

Conscientious Objection Exemption

Immunization Providers

Vaccine cost and availability varies. Call ahead for pricing and appointments.

Health Departments

Uninsured students may contact the health department about low-cost vaccines.

Contact Magnus Health directly with questions regarding your account or documents.
Email: service@magnushealthportal.com
Toll-free phone: (877) 461-6831


Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m dropped from class?

You can obtain the necessary proof of vaccination or provide an exemption request. At that time, you will be allowed to re-register. However, you may not get the same class.

What if I object?

You must obtain a waiver, signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, stating that, in the physician's opinion, the required vaccination for bacterial meningitis would be injurious to your health and well-being. Or, you must sign and submit an affidavit stating that you decline the required vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. You will receive instructions on how to request affidavit forms from the Texas Department of State Health Services once you’ve created your Magnus Health account.

How long will it take for my record to be approved?

Magnus Health will review your record within 2 business days from the time it is received. If you choose to fax or mail your record instead of uploading it directly, that time period will begin when the document is received by Magnus Health reviewers, not from the time that it was sent.

How do I submit proof of vaccination or exemption for the meningitis vaccine?

When you log into your Magnus Health account, you will be given instructions on how to submit the required documentation via a 60-second, introductory video. The video provides a comprehensive overview of how to submit your documentation by uploading a PDF form directly to your account. If you are unable to upload the form, you can fax or mail the document to Magnus Health. If you need any additional assistance, please contact Magnus Health’s customer service.

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding my Magnus Health account?

Magnus Health’s customer service team is available to answer any questions that you might have. You may email them directly at service@magnushealthportal.com, start a live chat, or call (877) 461-6831.

What happens if I don’t submit the proper forms or proof of being vaccinated?

You will not be able to register for classes until proper medical documentation is received.

What are my options if I wish to decline the vaccination?

You must obtain a waiver, signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, stating that, in the physician's opinion, the required vaccination for bacterial meningitis would be injurious to your health and well-being. Or, you must sign and submit an affidavit stating that you decline the required vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. You will receive instructions on how to request affidavit forms from the Texas Department of State Health Services once you’ve created your Magnus Health account.

Who is required to comply with the Meningitis Vaccination Law?

All first-time students under age 22 enrolling in public, private, or independent institutions of higher education on or after January 1, 2012. Also, any students under age 22 who attended an institution of higher education prior to January 1, 2012 and are re-enrolling in an institution of higher education following a break of at least one fall or spring semester.

To which ACC office or department should I submit my forms?

You will not submit any forms to any department at ACC. Once you’ve created your Magnus Health account, you will submit all documents through your SMR (Student Medical Record) by uploading, faxing, or mailing them directly to Magnus Health. Detailed instructions for submitting the required documentation are available via a 60-second, introductory video that plays when you log into your account. If you need any additional assistance, please contact Magnus Health’s customer service.

Where can I get the bacterial meningitis vaccine?

If you have not been vaccinated for bacterial meningitis within the past 5 years, you can obtain the vaccine from:
  • your healthcare provider
  • your county health department
  • a local health clinic
  • a pharmacy
The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to the first day of classes.

What if I don’t know or remember if I have been vaccinated?

Please contact your local health care provider for a medical opinion.

What is constitutes a bacterial meningitis vaccination?

The vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – MCV4 and MPSV4 – offer protection for Meningitis groups A, C, Y and W-135. Currently, MCV4 and MPSV4 are the only vaccines that are accepted. Please visit the CDC website for additional information.