Required Vaccinations
Bacterial Meningitis
Texas Senate Bill (SB) 1107 requires some college students to get a bacterial meningitis vaccine before they can attend classes.
The following students must provide proof of vaccination:
- First-time college students
- Transfer students
- Returning students who did not attend McLennan Community College (MCC) during the previous fall or spring semester
The law does not apply to students:
- Are 22 and over
- Take only Online Classes
- Enroll only in Continuing Education courses or programs less than 360 hours long
- Participate in Continuing Education Corporate training
- Take Dual Credit courses taught at a public or private K-12 facility.
Accepted Vaccines
MCC accepts the following bacterial meningitis vaccines:
- MCV4/MenACWY (Meningococcal conjugate vaccine). Common brand names: Menactra, MENVEIO, and MenQuadFi.
Meningitis B vaccines are NOT accepted.
How to Submit Immunization Records
Send your vaccination records to the Highlander Central in one of these ways:
- Bring them to the Enrollment Services Center in person. A drop box is available if you do not want to wait.
- Mail them to:
Highlander Central
McLennan Community College
1400 College Drive
Waco, Texas 76708
- Fax them to 254-299-6239
- Email them to studentadmissions@mclennan.edu
Requesting an Exemption
You may request an exemption by completing this form and submitting it to Highlander Central in person at the Enrollment Services Center.
Registration Requirements
Students who must receive the vaccine cannot register for classes until Highlander Central receives proof of immunization. You must provide documentation showing that you received the vaccine within the last five years. Submit your records at least 10 days before the first day of the semester. To be approved for registration, submit one of the following:
- A form signed or stamped by a physician, physician's designee, or public health official that includes the month, day, and year the vaccine or booster was given.
- An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority.
- An official high school or college transcript that includes immunization records provided by school officials, including records from other states.
After you submit your records, MCC will need time to process the information before you can register. For more information, call 254-299-8622.
About Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease that can become life-threatening very quickly. It causes swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria can also infect the blood.
About 1 in 20,000 people get this disease each year. People ages 16-25 have the highest risk.
Treatment is available, but some people who survive may develop serious health problems or disabilities.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis:
- High fever
- Rash or purple patches on skin
- Light sensitivity
- Confusion and sleepiness
- Lethargy (extreme tiredness)
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Nausea
- Seizures
Some people develop tiny red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can appear anywhere on the body.
The more symptoms, the greater the risk. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms appear.
Diagnosis
A medical provider diagnoses using symptoms and laboratory tests. These tests usually include blood tests and spinal fluid testing.
Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the chance of recovery.
How the Disease Spreads
Bacterial meningitis spreads through saliva and respiratory or throat secretions. Examples include:
- Kissing
- Sharing drinks
- Sharing eating utensils
- Sharing cigarettes
- Sharing toothbrushes
Possible Complications
Bacterial meningitis can cause:
- Permanent brain damage
- Kidney failure
- Learning disability
- Hearing loss
- Blindness
- Death
- Limb damage that may require amputation
- Gangrene
- Coma
- Convulsions
In some cases, a person can go from feeling healthy to dying within 8 to 24 hours.
Treatment and Prevention
Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with antibiotics. Early treatment can save lives and improve recovery.
Even with treatment, permanent disability or death can still occur.
The available vaccines are safe and highly effective.
For information, contact your health care provider, the Waco-McLennan County Health District at 254-750-5410, or the CDC website.
Department-specific Vaccination Requirements
EMT/Paramedic Programs
Students must provide:- Annual TB test
- Hepatitis B series
- TDAP within the last 10 years
- Proof of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccination
- Proof of Varicella (Chickenpox vaccination or proof of disease
Allied Health programs
Programs include:- Certified Medical Assistant
- Medical Lab Technician
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Care Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Annual TB test
- Hepatitis B series
- TDAP vaccine within the last 10 years
- Proof of MMR vaccination
- Proof of Varicella vaccination or disease
- Seasonal Flu vaccine, if required by the specific program
LVN/RN Nursing
Students must provide:- Annual TB Test with Result
- Tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (TD) vaccine every 10 Years)
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (2 MMR Vaccine) or 2 Measles, 1 Mumps and 1 Rubella
- Hepatitis B Vaccine series (#1, #2, #3)
- Varicella – 2 shots or a Letter from a Parent, Guardian, or Physician stating the nursing student has had the Chicken Pox with signature.
- Annual Flu Shot
- American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR (the only CPR certification accepted with immunization records)