Immunization and Medical Requirements
UT Tyler cares about the health of each student and our overall UT Tyler community. Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. The bacteria are spread by direct close contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person. Prevention depends on the use of vaccines, rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment of close personal contacts. Beginning in January 2012, the following students are required to provide documentation of the vaccination for bacterial meningitis within five years prior to enrollment before completing the registration process:
Students must fulfill this requirement if they meet any of the following:
- A first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education
- A transfer student
- A student who previously attended an institution of higher education, who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester
The following students are exempt from the vaccine requirement:
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §97.62 covers the conditions under which students can request an exemption from getting immunizations at their school or college.
- A student 22 years of age or older by the first day of the semester
- A student enrolled only in online-only program or other distance education courses. An online-only program is classified as a degree program in which course options are only offered in a distance education format. Programs that offer the option of online or face-to-face coursework do not qualify. If the student attends/has the option to attend any on-campus classes they must submit proof of vaccination. It is the student's responsibility to receive advisor confirmation that their program is 100% online-only classes and to send that confirmation to The One-Stop at enroll@uttyler.edu.
- A student enrolled in a continuing education course or program that is less than 360 contact hours
- A student who cannot take the vaccine because of medical reasons (must be verified by physician)
- A student declines the vaccine due to reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.
The Meningococcal Meningitis immunization must be received during the 5 year period prior to but not later than 10 days before the first day of the semester.
Failure to provide documentation will delay your registration process.
Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Immunization must be an official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority. Documentation must be in English and submitted with the the month, day, and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered. If a meningitis document is received in another language, then the document needs to be professionally translated. A seal or stamp must be on the translated document in order to be considered an official record. Additionally, the specific vaccination received must be declared and indicated so that we can qualify it against our accepted vaccination types.
Only the quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against four types of meningococcus bacteria, (MCV4, MPSV4) will be accepted.
A Texas Department of State Health Services offers boosters in Tyler, as well as the conscience exemption form. You may also receive the vaccination from any pharmacy in the nearby area.
The most common reasons that student documentation may not be accepted and must be resubmitted include:
- Record is not legible – the copy is not clear or important information is cut-off, or is not in primary language of the institution.
- Documentation is not recognized – many doctors will use their own form of abbreviation or documentation that cannot be deciphered.
- 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.
We encourage all students to consult a physician about the importance of the vaccine as a preventative measure.
Request for Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience
Students must use the official Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) form. The TDSHS form may be obtained from this website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/exemptions.aspx#conscience. It is then mailed from TDSHS to the student and it may take up to two weeks to receive the form.
The TDSHS form must be completed, notarized, and sent to Student Health Services within 90 days from the date it was notarized. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the TDSHS form and have it notarized. Information about requesting the TDSHS affidavit form.
The affidavit must be completely filled out, signed in the correct areas, and notarized. Enrollment Services' One- Stop accepts originals only. Incomplete forms or photocopies will not be accepted and may delay the process of class registration.
Exemptions for Medical Reasons
Getting vaccines is a safe way to protect yourself from harmful diseases. In Texas, we follow the ACIP-recommended vaccination schedule. Some people may have medical reasons for not getting certain vaccines.
Only a doctor (MD/DO) can write a note explaining why someone can't get vaccinated. Schools and childcare centers must accept it. The signed note is only valid for one year unless your doctor states that you have a life-long condition.
Graduate Students:
Eligible domestic and international graduate students must submit documentation of immunization from an appropriate medical professional. Failure to provide documentation will cause delays in the registration process. Documentation must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions at least 10 days prior to the beginning of classes.
The Office of Graduate Admissions HPR 248
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd
Tyler Texas 75799
If you are a graduate student enrolled only in online courses, please follow these instructions to release the hold or contact us by email or phone (903.566.7457).
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.