Vaccinations

• What 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.
    
    Note: Student must show proof of an initial meningitis vaccination or a booster dose during the five-year period prior to enrolling. 
• Where can I get the bacterial meningitis vaccine?
  • Meningitis vaccinations are available from healthcare providers, county health departments, clinics, and pharmacies.
• What if I don’t know or remember if I have been vaccinated?
  • Contact your healthcare provider for a medical opinion.

Exemptions

• What if I object to the vaccination?
  • The state allows you to opt out of the meningitis vaccination for medical reasons or conscientious objection; however, you must submit the applicable exemption document or you will be dropped from your classes.
• How do I submit an exemption form?

  • Medical Exemption Affidavit: Submit a medical exemption affidavit to Magnus Health SMR. Obtain the blank form from Magnus Health when you register for an account. To be accepted:

    • The affidavit must be signed and dated by a physician who is 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 your health and well-being.
    • You must submit the original document. Copies are not accepted.

    Conscience Objection Certificate: Obtain the conscientious objection online certificate from the Texas Department of State Health Services website. Take the unsigned certificate to any campus Admissions and Enrollment Office, where you will sign and submit the document. You will need to show an official photo ID.
    
    If you are unable to bring your form to a campus office, you may email the signed copy along with your valid photo ID to student.records@austincc.edu.  Emailed documents will be processed within 2-3 business days and holds removed after processing.

• Can I turn in an old version of the conscientious objection form?
  • Other exemption forms originating from the Texas Department of State Health Services will continue to be accepted. Forms downloaded from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website will no longer be accepted.

Submitting documents

• What is an acceptable vaccination record?

  • Vaccination records must include the date (day/date/year) of the vaccination. Any of the following documents are accepted:

    • 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.
• Where do I submit my vaccination record?
  • Submit vaccination records to Magnus Health SMR. Details about setting up a Magnus Health account and submitting your records are on the meningitis compliance website.
• What if I need help setting up a Magnus Health account?
  • Magnus Health’s customer service team is available to answer questions. Email them at service@magnushealthportal.com or call (877) 461-6831.
• How long will it take for my document to be approved?
  • Vaccination records and medical exemption affidavits require at least 2 business days after being received by Magnus Health. Conscientious objection certificates submitted on campus are approved immediately.
• What happens if I don’t submit the proper documents?
  • You will not remain enrolled in classes until proper documentation is received.
• What if I’m dropped from class?
  • If you miss the deadline to comply, you will need to re-register for your classes. We cannot guarantee seats will still be available if you have to re-register.

Out-of-country vaccinations

• I’m an international student. Can I get vaccinated in my home country?

  • Obtaining the vaccination outside the United States can save you money. However, there are several forms of meningitis, so confirm you receive one of the following accepted vaccines:

    • Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4)
    • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)