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Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination

NOTE: There will not be a Public Health meningitis vaccine option on-site (at the WT campus) during the upcoming New Student Orientations on August 1-2 and 14-15.

The only on-site meningitis vaccine available will be the standard Student Medical Services option. If a student does not have medical insurance, the vaccine cost will be $150.

Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Texas Law requires all students (under age 22) entering an institution of higher education (public and private) to either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before the first day of the semester.

Students are strongly encouraged to obtain the bacterial meningitis vaccination before entering the United States or moving to the Canyon/Amarillo area.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Admissions at (806)651-2020 or admissions@wtamu.edu .

 

Evidence of Vaccination

Evidence of Vaccination must verify that the vaccination was received at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester and must be submitted in one of the following four formats ( NOTE: West Texas A&M University requires proof of meningitis compliance prior to registering for classes):

  1. Students age 22 or over are not required to receive the meningitis vaccine or submit documentation.

  2. A complete Meningitis Immunization Record form from the Doctor's office you recieved your vaccine. ATTENTION:  International students should use the International Student Meningitis Immunization Record Form.

  3. A document bearing the signature or stamp of the physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).

  4. An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).

  5. An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state (must include the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered).

 

Where can I get the meningitis vaccine?

If you are a currently enrolled student at West Texas A&M University, or are attending a New Student Orientation, or have registered for the upcoming semester, you can purchase and receive the vaccine through:
If you are not a current student or have not registered as a student at West Texas A&M University, you can check with your primary care provider. Or you can get your immunization at one of the following locations:

  • Amarillo Public Health Department: Information
    • $13.74 per immunization, not to exceed $30 (only if you have no health insurance)
    • M-F 8-4; Late Hours 1st Tuesday of the Month 6-8
    • Phone: 806-378-6300
  • CVS Pharmacy: Information
    • Appointments are preferred, walk-ins based on availability
    • M-F 9:00am – 9:00pm (lunch break 1:30pm-2:00pm)
    • Sat & Sun 10:00am – 5:00pm (lunch break 1:30pm-2:00pm)
    • Out of Pocket Cost: $164.99
  • Walgreens Pharmacy: Information
    • No appointment needed
    • M-F 9:00am – 7:00pm (lunch break 1:30pm – 2:00pm)
    • Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm (lunch break 1:30am – 2:00pm)
    • Some locations open Sunday
    • Out of Pocket Cost: $177.99
  • Walmart Pharmacy: Information
    • Walk ins welcome
    • Mon-Sat 9:00am – 7:00pm
    • Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
    • Out of Pocket Cost $178.00
  • United Supermarket Pharmacy: Information
    • Walks in welcome
    • Mon-Sat 9:00am – 7:00pm
    • Closed Sunday
    • Out of Pocket Cost $181.69

 

Evidence to Decline Vaccination

Evidence to Decline Vaccination must be submitted in one of the following formats:

  1. An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student.  Or submission of the completed Meningitis Medical Exemption Form

  2. An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. 

    Students living on campus: A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used and can be requested here - Affidavit Request for Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience. Please allow several weeks for delivery.  Note:  the link is incorrect on their form.  Please use:   https://co-request.dshs.texas.gov/

    Students NOT living on campus : May complete the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Affidavit and submit the original notarized document to the Office of Admissions.  NOTE: Students must be 18 years of age or older to submit this form.  Students under the age of 18 must use the affidavit above.

  3. Students who intend to enroll in Distance Education courses (or online only) must submit the petition for a waiver available here - Petition to Waive Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Requirement for ALL Online.

Important Considerations

  • You are strongly encouraged to obtain the bacterial meningitis vaccination before entering the United States or moving to the Canyon/Amarillo area

  • You will not be allowed to register for classes until you provide proof of vaccination. For freshmen and transfer students, registration is during New Student Orientation (NSO); therefore, you should provide the documentation prior to attending your NSO.

  • The bacterial meningitis vaccination must be administered by a Health Practitioner authorized by law to administer an immunization.

  • Vaccinations older than 5 years will require a booster. 

  • The bacterial meningitis vaccination is available at the WTAMU Student Medical Services and most pharmacies in the Canyon/Amarillo area.

  • The cost of the bacterial meningitis vaccination may be cheaper in your home country or through your current physician.

How to Submit Evidence of Vaccination or an Affidavit to Decline Vaccination

All documents should be uploaded to the student's portal.  To contact Admissions:

Mail: Office of Admissions, WTAMU Box 60907, Canyon, TX 79016
Phone: (806)651-2020

Fax: (806)651-5285

E-mail: admissions@wtamu.edu

Updated 5/05/2023