Documentation must be in English and include your full name and date of birth. Write your UT EID and the semester you are entering UT Austin (e.g. Summer or Fall 2013) on all pages of your documentation before submitting it.
Time frame for submitting your documentation
Acceptable documentation to prove inability to receive the meningococcal vaccine because of medical reasons.
You, or your parent or guardian if you are a minor, must submit an affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the United States, which states that, in the physician's opinion, the meningococcal vaccine would be injurious to your health and well-being.
Documentation must be in English and include your full name and date of birth. Write your UT EID and the semester you are entering UT Austin (e.g. Spring, Summer or Fall 2013) on all pages of your documentation before submitting it.
Time frame for submitting your documentation
Declining the meningococcal vaccine for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. Sole form of acceptable documentation .
You are strongly encouraged to consult with a physician about the need for immunization against bacterial meningitis before requesting this exemption.
If you are under the age of 18 AND/OR if you plan to live in on-campus housing (including University-owned apartments) you must submit to UHS a completed and notarized ORIGINAL Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Vaccine Exemption Affidavit Form by U.S. mail or other shipping service or by hand delivery. If you have applied for on-campus housing or intend to apply but haven't yet received a contract offer, we strongly recommend that you use the TDSHS form for this exemption to avoid confusion in the future. Emails, faxes and copies are not acceptable. Request this form well before your registration date. TDSHS processing times can be lengthy.
Request the Vaccine Exemption Affidavit Form from TDSHS
If you plan to live in off campus housing AND are 18 or older you may submit either the TDSHS form described above, or you may download, print and submit a completed and notarized ORIGINAL Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board "Exemption from Immunizations for Bacterial Meningitis for Reasons of Conscience" form. Emails, faxes and copies are not acceptable.
Download and Print the form.
Write your UT EID and the semester you are entering UT Austin on this form (e.g. Summer or Fall 2013) before submitting it.
Time frame for submitting your documentation
Time frame for submitting required documentation to UHS
The following timelines apply for submitting documentation proving you've had the meningococcal vaccine, that you can't take the vaccine because of medical reasons OR that you decline the vaccine because of reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.
Submit your documentation only after you have been admitted to UT Austin. This requirement is not part of your admission process, but non-compliance will prevent you from registering for classes.
Submit your documentation to UHS at least two weeks before your intended registration date, even if it is during an orientation session, to prevent registration delays.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: You can bring your documentation to UHS as soon as you arrive in Austin.
This information is subject to change. Please do not reproduce online or in print.
How to submit your documentation to UHS
Keep a hard copy of any meningococcal vaccine-related documentation you submit to UHS and bring it with you to campus (and to any orientation classes).
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR DOCUMENTATION BY MORE THAN ONE METHOD (E.G. BY EMAIL AND FAX). It will not increase the speed with which your documents are processed. In fact, doing so will slow processing time and delay bar removals.
NOTE: Submission methods may change depending upon the time of year. Don't be concerned if the information in this section changes after you submit your documentation.
By U.S. Mail:
ATTN: Immunization Compliance
The University of Texas at Austin
University Health Services
P.O. Box 7339
Austin, TX 78713-7339
- Write your full name, EID, the semester you're entering (e.g. Summer or Fall 2013) and your email address on your documents
- READMITTED STUDENTS, also write "Readmit" on the outside of your envelope.
By email:
Attach your documents to an email sent to imm@uhs.utexas.edu. Sending documents as a PDF is strongly preferred, but please do not send images taken by your phone or other digital camera.
- READMITTED STUDENTS, write "Readmit Vaccine" in the subject line.
- Include your full name, EID and the semester you're entering (e.g. Summer or Fall 2013) in the text of your email AND on your actual documentation before scanning it.
By FAX:
512-475-8288
During rush periods, you may receive busy signals before being able to complete your fax. Please plan accordingly.
- READMITTED STUDENTS, also write "Readmit."Write your full name, EID and the semester you are entering (e.g. Summer or Fall 2013) on your cover sheet or faxed document.
Hand Delivery
Student Services Building (SSB)
100 West Dean Keaton St.
Austin, Texas 78705
Second floor - Allergy Shot / Immunization clinic
See Hours
- See "By US Mail" above for instructions on what to write on your documentation.
This information is subject to change. Please do not reproduce online or in print.
How to check whether your documentation has been processed and your registration bar has been removed.
During rush times, it may take a couple of weeks for your documentation to be processed once it's received.
To check if your medical bar has been removed, log in to your Registration Information Sheet (RIS) to see if you still have a "medical" registration bar. This bar will go away once your documentation has been processed.
IF YOUR BAR IS STILL THERE:
- Your documentation may not have been processed yet if it's been less than two weeks since you submitted it.
- There could be a problem with your documentation that would keep your "medical" registration bar from being removed.
- You will be sent an email from imm@uhs.utexas.edu informing you if this is the case.
- To see if you've possibly missed such an email, search all of your applicable email inboxes and junk mailboxes for imm@uhs.utexas.edu. If you sent your information via email, search that address. If you sent it by paper fax or regular mail, search the email address you have listed as your official UT email address.
- If you don't have a "problem" email from UHS and it's been longer than two weeks since you submitted your documentation, you can call(512) 475-8799 to check the status of your documentation.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: A "medical" bar on your RIS could mean that you're out of compliance with meningococcal vaccine; proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella; and/or the tuberculosis screening test.
Where you can get the meningococcal vaccine (including those without insurance)
Getting meningococcal vaccine at UHS:
Admitted students can schedule an online appointment to get the meningococcal vaccine at UHS. Click here for instructions. They can also call (512)471-4955. Neither parents nor anyone else can schedule an appointment for a student. They must schedule it themselves. BE ADVISED: UHS has a finite number of immunization appointments, and you may not be able to get the vaccine at UHS if you wait until the last minute to do so. Being unable to schedule an appointment at UHS (or any other facility) in time to meet registration deadlines will not be considered a valid reason for a waiver of this requirement).
If you don't have health insurance, or if your insurance will not pay for a meningococcal vaccine administered at UHS, you will qualify for a self-pay discount and pay $133 plus a $12 administration fee for the vaccine. NOTE: Even if UHS takes your insurance, there is no guarantee that your insurance company will pay for a meningococcal vaccine. Contact your insurance company directly to see if they will pay for a meningococcal vaccine administered to someone your age at University Health Services.
Find out if UHS takes (is in network with) your insurance.
UHS Charges Policy (pdf)
Other resources for getting the vaccine
You can get the meningococcal vaccine at most doctors' offices and private clinics, many large pharmacy chains, and some minor emergency centers or walk-in retail clinics. Call in advance to see whether they offer the vaccine, require an appointment, and take your insurance.
If you have Medicaid or CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Plan), please contact your established healthcare provider as your first option.
If you are uninsured or your insurance will not cover the meningococcal vaccine:
- If you are 18 or younger, you might qualify for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program. Call the United Way's referral helpline, by dialing 211, to find healthcare providers in your area who participate in this program.
- Many full-service Texas city/county health departments offer free or low-cost meningococcal vaccine as part of children immunization programs for those 18 or younger. A few may offer the vaccine for those over 18.
"Full Service" City/County Health Departments in Texas
Austin/Travis County "Shots for Tots" 18 and under Program Locations
More Information about the Disease and the Vaccine
Vaccine Information
Information about Meningococcal Disease (Bacterial Meningitis)
