| WTAMU Student Medical Services
West Texas A&M University requires documentation of administration of the Meningitis Vaccine or a conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of Health (this can take a few weeks to be mailed and returned) for the Meningitis Vaccine for all incoming new students who will reside on campus. West Texas A&M University does not require students to show proof of any other immunization to attend the University. However, the staff of Student Medical Services strongly recommends that all students be current on certain immunizations. If you are 18 years of age or younger and do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover vaccinations, there is a Texas Vaccine for Children Program through West Texas A&M University that will allow you to receive the vaccine at $10.00 per vaccine. If you are considering a major in the health care profession or any other profession that may require immunizations this is an excellent opportunity to receive these vaccines.
New Changes to the Texas Meningitis Requirements: - Texas Law (HB 1816 and SB 1107) requires all incoming college students to receive meningitis vaccinations before arriving to campus.
- Also requires that the meningitis vaccination occurs within a five-year period before the student arrives at school.
Who does this apply to?
Meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that can affect either the brain or spinal cord or infect the blood. Permanent brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure or death can result from this infection. Certain groups of people are most at risk for this infection. College freshmen who live in residence halls are one of the susceptible groups. The bacteria are spread through direct contact and through air droplets. Symptoms of the disease are often mistaken for the flu – high fever, rash, neck stiffness, headache, nausea and vomiting. There is a vaccine available which is 80% effective at preventing the 4 types of bacteria that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. Immunity develops within 7-10 days of receiving the vaccine and is effective for 3-5 years.
Where can I get the meningitis vaccine? If you are a currently enrolled student for the current semester or have registered for the upcoming semester, you can purchase and receive the vaccine through West Texas A&M Student Medical Services located on campus in VHAC 104. Call (806) 651-3287 for availability of supply, vaccine administration times and qualification requirements for student enrollment. 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 many of the local pharmacies in your area. Please note that West Texas A&M University Student Medical Services does not file insurance claims on behalf of the patient. Be sure to bring your Buffalo Gold Card with you to your appointment! You will be carded when you enter the building. How much does it cost? West Texas A&M University Student Medical Services can administer the vaccine for $68.00. SMS does not provide insurance billing. Payment is due at time of service. This fee can be applied to the tuition bill if placed before the last day to pay the tuition bill. $10.00 for patients eligible for the TVHAC Program (see below). Are there any patient assistance programs to pay for the meningitis vaccine? Texas Vaccine for Children Program - Meningitis vaccine and HPV Gardasil vaccine can be administered at West Texas A&M University Student Medical Services to any eligible patient for the discounted price of $10.00 each.
To be eligible for the Texas Vaccine for Children Program, the patient must be 18 years of age or younger and be uninsured.
What if I do not want to get the vaccination?
Exceptions to this requirement must be documented on a conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Information concerning an exemption form request can be obtained here under the heading of “Exclusions from Immunization Requirements."
What if my doctor or health care provider does not want me to get the immunizations due to health reasons?
You will need to provide WTAMU Student Medical Services a certified copy of your health care provider's documentation that this immunization will be detrimental to your health. What do I do with my vaccination information or affidavit? Please submit a copy of your vaccination record or use the Evidence of Vaccination Against Meningitis Form - to:
Office of Admissions
WTAMU Box 60907
Canyon, TX
79016-0001
Email: admissions@wtamu.edu Fax: 806-651-5285 Do not fax the affidavit as it will appear as an illegal document. This must be mailed or delivered. Phone: 1-800-99-WTAMU or 806-651-2020 Can I fax a copy of my vaccination documentation? Yes, you can fax the vaccination documentation but please follow up with a telephone call to make sure that we have received a legible copy of your documentation.
Fax - 806-651- 5285 Do not fax the affidavit as it will appear as an illegal document. This must be mailed or delivered. What information do I need to include? Please include your complete name, WTAMU Buffalo Gold Card number (if you know it) date of birth and a contact telephone number on all documentation. Make sure it is legible and always keep a copy for yourself.
Immunizations (prices subject to change) Hepatitis A Recommended for all college students. Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. $38.00 each, series of two vaccines. (price subject to change due to supplier) Hepatitis B Recommended for all students, required for several majors (nursing, communication disorders, athletic training). Series of 3 immunizations administered over a 6-month period. Hepatitis B is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. You can become infected directly through blood or body fluids, or indirectly through contact with surfaces or objects that are contaminated with the virus. $38.00 each, series of three vaccines. (price subject to change due to supplier) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (Gardasil) Females only. The HPV Vaccine is a total of $130.00 per dose -- a series of 3 doses. This vaccine is available through the Texas Vaccine for Children Program for $10.00 for students that can qualify for this program (see below). There is also a patient assistance program for students with no insurance or if their insurance does not cover the vaccine. If approved, the student can receive the vaccine at no charge. Gardasil is a preventive vaccine against HPV subtypes 6, 11, 16, and 18 which are linked to cervical cancer and genital warts. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Most commonly children receive MMR (Measles, Mumps Rubella) as one immunization. If MMR was received must have had 2 doses, at least 30 days apart, after age 1. (Not available at SMS). Meningitis (Bacterial) - REQUIRED  $68 (price subject to change) or TVFC (price subject to change due to supplier) - $10.00 One immunization. Meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that can affect either the brain or spinal cord or infect the blood. Permanent brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure or death can result from this infection. Certain groups of people are most at risk for this infection. College freshmen who live in residence halls are one of the susceptible groups. The bacteria are spread through direct contact and through air droplets. Symptoms of the disease are often mistaken for the flu – high fever, rash, neck stiffness, headache, nausea and vomiting. There is a vaccine available which is 80% effective at preventing the 4 types of bacteria that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. Immunity develops within 7-10 days of receiving the vaccine and is effective for 3-5 years.
Polio (IPV) 3-4 doses in early childhood. (Not available at SMS) Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) One dose within the last 10 years. Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis are serious, sometimes fatal, diseases $40.00 - (price subject to change due to supplier). Varicella (Chickenpox) 2 doses, one month apart only for students with no history of chickenpox. (Not available at SMS)
Updated 6/13/13
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