Health Requirements for New Students

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination

The College of Biblical Studies is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and safe environment. All new CBS students attending classes on campus are required to receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or to meet certain criteria for requesting a waiver from such a vaccination prior to registration for classes.  This is a state requirement in accordance with Texas Senate Bill 1107 (SB1107), as amended by SB 62. Students who are age 22-years-old or older are exempt from this vaccination requirement, per SB62, which will become effective on January 1, 2014.  

The law defines a “new student” as:
1. New Student – A first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and includes a student who transfers to the institution from another institution;

2. A student who previously attended an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education before January 1, 2012 and who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.

Students are required to complete the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine form, including the month, date, and year of meningitis vaccination, and return to the CBS – Admissions Office after they have been accepted as a student. Accompanying documentation, showing the signature of a physician, other healthcare worker, or public health official must be included with the completed form. Students will not be able to register for, nor attend, classes until this form and accompanying documentation has been received. Students must also have had the vaccine ten days before classes begin. If not, students will not be allowed to enter class until ten days have passed since their vaccine.

Students may waive the requirement with the following:

1. An affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice in the United States, stating that in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student;
2. An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for reasons of conscience, including religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used. This form may be requested by going to https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunization-unit/texas-school-child-care-facility-immunization/texas-immunization-exemptions
    The deadlines for compliance with the above requirements related to the term the student is admitted or readmitted into CBS are below. Failure to comply by the deadline for the term of admission term will result in the student not being able to enroll for the term.  
   Vaccine Exemption Form: https://co-request.dshs.texas.gov/

Important facts about Bacterial Meningitis

Where can I get vaccinated?

If you have not been vaccinated within the past 5 years, you may be able to receive a Bacterial Meningitis vaccine from the following:
• your health care provider
• a local health clinic in your neighborhood or
• your local pharmacy
• Harris County Health Centers

(You should contact the provider to determine if an appointment is required)

For more information, visit: Harris County Health Centers

Harris County Health Centers

• For information on required immunizations in the state of Indiana click here: https://www.in.gov/isdh/17094.htm.
• For a list of health centers in Indiana click here: http://www.indianahealthonline.org/.

If I take classes online or distance education, do I have to have a vaccination?

• If you are only taking classes online you are not required to take the vaccination
• If you are taking any face-to-face CBS courses at any site, you are required to get the Bacterial Meningitis vaccination if you fall within the law requirement.

What CBS Office or department do I submit my Bacterial Meningitis Immunization forms to?

• If you attending the Houston Campus, the form should be submitted to the Admissions Office located in suite 114 Houck Academic Center 7000 Regency Square Blvd. Houston, TX 77036 or admissions@cbshouston.edu.
• If you are attending the Indiana Pyramid, the form should be submitted to the Admissions Office located in suite 1010, 3500 DePauw, Pyramid Building 1, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or Admissions.IN@cbshouston.edu.

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 considered a Bacterial Meningitis vaccination?
The Meningitis vaccination recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (MCV4 and MPSV4) offers protection for Meningitis groups A, C, Y and W-135. The MCV4 and MPSV4 are the only vaccines currently accepted. Please visit the CDC website for additional information.

What happens if I don’t submit proper forms or proof of being vaccinated?
A hold will be placed on your student record and you will not be able to register for classes until proper medical documentation is received.