Immunization and Medical Requirements
UT Tyler cares about the health of each student and our overall UT Tyler community.
1. Bacterial Meningitis
Texas law (Texas Education Code 51.9192) mandates that universities and health science centers require all new and transfer students show proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. All first-time UT Tyler students are required to provide proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. All documentation should be submitted to the One-Stop Service Center (OSC) in STE 230 or enroll@uttyler.edu. Exemptions for this requirement are as follows:
- The student is 22 years of age or older on the first day of the semester.
- The student is enrolled in online-only programs.
- The student submits an affidavit, or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice in the United States, stating, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the student's health and well-being.
- The student submits a signed Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience Affidavit Form. This form can be requested from the Texas Department of State Health Services at: www.corerequest.dshs.texas.gov.
- New students who are also Texas high school students enrolled in a dual enrollment program where the dual enrollment classes are held at a Texas high school.
2. Students in Health-related Courses Involving Direct Patient Contact or Come in Contact with Human or Animal Biological Fluids/Tissues.
In accordance with State law (Texas Education Code 51.933), additional immunizations are required for all students enrolled in health-related courses which will involve direct patient contact in medical or dental care facilities or who come in contact with human or animal biological fluids or tissue.* Health-related majors such as, nursing, pharmacy, and medicine, will be informed of courses where they need these immunizations by their advisor or faculty.
Students for whom these immunizations are not required are strongly urged to obtain these immunizations for their own protection.
Measles: proof of two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after the first birthday and at least 30 days apart or proof of immunity.
Mumps: proof of one dose of mumps vaccine administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity.
Rubella: proof of one dose administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity.
Tetanus/diphtheria: proof of one “booster” dose of tetanus/diphtheria (within 10 years).
Hepatitis B virus (HBV): proof of serologic immunity to HBV or certification of immunization with a complete series of Hepatitis B vaccine. Students will be required to present a letter or other suitable written certification.
Influenza: proof of influenza vaccination required every fall semester
* Note: Certain exemptions are allowed from the immunization requirement
Students enrolled at University of Texas institutions will assume the full cost of the immunizations.
Students may obtain information regarding the consequences of not being current on immunization for certain diseases; the age groups most vulnerable to these vaccine preventable diseases; and local providers of immunization services from the University Health Clinic.
3. Tuberculosis (TB Screening) for International Intensive English Language Institute Students and Students in Healthcare Related Courses Requirement Direct Patient Contact
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: The University of Texas at Tyler requires all students at the Health Science Center at UT-Tyler and all students in healthcare related courses requiring direct patient contact to receive TB screenings each year. Students must submit either proof of a TB skin test (PPD) or a blood-based screen test completed within one year prior to enrollment. Those students with a positive test must submit proof of a TB evaluation conducted by a licensed healthcare provider within one year prior to enrollment AND proof of a negative chest x-ray result dated after the initial positive test. Specific requirements may be found within the student’s college of study. Additionally, all incoming international students and exchange visitors born in a country defined as High Burden for TB by the United States CDC must provide documentation of a recent blood-based screening test (QuantiFERON® –TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-G) or Interferon Gamma Assay (IGRA)). All travelers, including international and non-international students, who return to campus after travelling to a country that is defined as High Burden for TB are expected to visit with their primary care provider upon return. More information regarding countries defined as High Buren TB and required forms is available on the Office of International Programs website.
UT Tyler requires all new and returning International and Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) students, as well as all visiting scholars, who are considered to be at high risk for tuberculosis disease, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to be screened for tuberculosis (TB) prior to participating in campus activities at UT Tyler or resuming activities at UT Tyler after visiting countries included on the World Health Organization (WHO) High Burden Countries list for TB. For more information see https://www.uttyler.edu/oip/tb-clearance.php
4. HIV and Hepatitis B Infection Right to Attend Classes
The University of Texas at Tyler recognizes Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) as serious public health threats and is committed to encouraging an informed and educated response to issues and questions concerning these infections. In furtherance of its commitment UT Tyler has adopted a policy and procedural steps to protect both the rights and well-being of those students, employees, and patients who may be infected with HIV or HBV as well as to prevent the spread of infection. No individual with HIV or HBV infection will be discriminated against in employment, admission to academic programs, health benefits, or access to facilities. Students with HIV or HBV infection may attend all classes without restriction, as long as they are physically and mentally able to participate and perform assigned work and pose no health risks to others. All information regarding the medical status of UT Tyler faculty, staff, and students is confidential.