Handbook of Operating Procedures > Series 500 Student Success > 5.12.1 Immunizations

5.12.1 Immunizations

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for any requirements the University establishes regarding immunizations.

B. Persons Affected

This policy applies to students.

C. Definitions

N/A

D. Policy and Procedures

1. Bacterial Meningitis: The University of Texas at Tyler (University) complies with Texas Education Code Section 51.9192, "the Jamie Schanbaum Act and Nicolis Williamson Act", which requires all entering students younger than 22 years of age upon entering Texas institutions of higher education, to show evidence of immunization for bacterial meningitis prior to attending on-campus classes. The bacterial meningitis vaccine must have been received or renewed within the last 5 years and at least 10 days prior to the first day of the term. Students who qualify for exemptions must complete a Meningitis Exemption Form with the appropriate office. Failure to do so consistent with the noted timeframe may preclude registration. Exemptions for this requirement are as follows: 
   1. The student is 22 years of age or older.
   2. The student is enrolled in online-only programs. If the student attends any on-campus classes, they must submit proof of vaccination. 
   3. The student submits an affidavit or a certificate signed by a qualified healthcare provider who is duly registered and licensed to practice in the United States, stating, in their opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the student's health and well-being. 
   4. The student submits a signed affidavit stating the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas department of State Health Services must be used. 
2. Students in Health-Related Courses and Students at the Health Science Center at UT-Tyler: In accordance with Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, 97.64, the following immunizations are required for all students enrolled at the Health Science Center at UT-Tyler and 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 biological fluids or tissue. In order to protect patients, employees, staff and others from vaccine preventable diseases and to comply with state and federal laws and regulations, the Health Science Center at UT Tyler requires students who will be at the Health Science Center at UT Tyler for two (2) or more weeks of the year to receive required vaccines based on patient population and the current state of communicable disease within such population. Students for whom these immunizations are not required are strongly urged to obtain these immunizations for their own protection.Stud
   1. Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine: Students must show receipt of one dose of tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccine (Tdap). In addition, one dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine must have been received within the last ten years. Td vaccine is an acceptable substitute, if Tdap vaccine is medically contraindicated.
   2. Measles: proof of two doses of measles vaccine administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity (laboratory report of positive immune serum antibody titer for measles).
   3. Mumps: proof of two doses of mumps vaccine administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity (laboratory report of positive immune serum antibody titer for mumps).
   4. Rubella: proof of one dose administered on or after the first birthday or proof of immunity (laboratory report of positive immune serum antibody titer for rubella).
   5. Hepatitis B virus (HBV): proof of immunization with a complete series of Hepatitis B vaccine or proof of immunity (laboratory report of positive immune serum antibody titer for Hepatitis B). 
   6. Varicella (chickenpox): proof of two doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or proof of immunity (laboratory report of positive immune serum antibody titer for varicella).
   7. Influenza: proof of influenza vaccination required every fall semester
3. 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.
4. Polio: All students under the age of 18 are required to show proof of polio vaccination.
5. Exceptions from the immunization requirement can be found in Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, 97.64-65 and/or allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications. Students enrolled at University of Texas institutions will assume the full cost of the immunizations. Information regarding the consequences of not being current on immunization for certain diseases; the age groups most vulnerable to specific vaccine preventable diseases; and local providers of immunization services is available from the University Health Clinic. Specific healthcare programs and affiliated clinical sites may have additional requirements. Students should contact their specific program coordinator for additional information. The UT Board of Regents may require immunizations against additional diseases for some students and/or in times of emergency or epidemic. 

E. Responsibilities

The Senior Vice President for Student Success is responsible for this policy.

F. Review

This policy shall be reviewed every five years or sooner if necessary by the following stakeholders:

Senior Vice President for Student Success

Dean of Students/Associate Dean of Students

Executive Vice President for Health Affairs

Director of Environmental Health and Safety