Meningococcal Vaccine State Law Update as of October 1, 2013:

• All *entering students 22 years or younger must have received the meningococcal vaccination within the past five years
  • Deadlines:
    • Fall Semester: August 1-Prior to moving onto campus
    • Spring Semester: January 7-Prior to moving onto campus
    • Greystone: July 24-Prior to moving onto campus
      This includes University activities (athletics, etc.)

*By definition, “entering students” includes all students new to Schreiner University and includes those students who have had a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester from any college or university including as a student at Schreiner University.

The Health Records Department requests the vaccination certification be submitted at least 15 days prior to the earliest date to allow adequate time for processing: either moving on to campus or first day of classes or participation in University activities (athletics, etc.).

Health records can be submitted by emailing to health@schreiner.edu or fax to 830-217-3568.

Health history forms can be completed through the students Schreiner One account and submitted online. Required for all incoming new students.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER

IMMUNIZATION IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR HEALTH CARE.
Although Schreiner University does not have a mandatory immunization program at this time, we encourage all students entering the University to check immunization records to ensure that they have met all of the minimum recommendations for these immunizations.

MEASLES: (Rubella, Red Measles, Hard Measles, 10-Day Measles) Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Antibiotics are not available to treat persons infected with this organism. Recent outbreaks of this illness have resulted in hospitalization and some deaths among college-aged persons. For these reasons it is strongly recommended that students in Texas have two doses of the vaccine prior to entering college. Most young adults have had only one dose. The measles vaccine is most often given in combination with the vaccines for mumps and rubella, which are also caused by viruses. This combination vaccine is referred to as MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella).

TETANUS: (Lockjaw) The illness caused by tetanus results from the poison produced by bacteria. Again, this is a very difficult illness to treat once it occurs and prevention is the most appropriate choice. The vaccine is effective for about 10 years and needs to be boosted at that interval. It is now common for older adults to develop tetanus in the United States because many adults do not receive the recommended 10-year boosters. The tetanus vaccine should be given in combination with the diphtheria vaccine.

POLIOMYELITIS: (Polio) In the United States, polio immunization is not routinely recommended for people 18 years of age or older. However, if travel to other parts of the world is planned, a physician should be contacted for specific recommendations.

TUBERCULOSIS: (TB) Due to the reappearance of tuberculosis as a major public health issue in the United States and particularly Texas, all students should have a yearly Mantoux skin test to assure that they are free of the disease. Main symptoms are persistent heavy cough, cough with sputum or blood, fatigue, distressed breathing, fever, or weight loss. Students doing observation, volunteer work, field placement, student teaching, or employment in a Texas school district, correctional facility or medical facility will be required to have a negative TB test before entering their placement site.

The Texas Department of Health can provide most of these immunizations and tests at a reduced rate. The Schreiner University Nurse or The Texas Department of Health will be happy to answer questions concerning any health-related issues. For more information on immunizations contact the University Health Records at 792-7278 or the Texas Department of Health (830) 896-5515

The table below is the Texas Board of Health immunization requirement for any student doing an internship in a health care facility of any kind as part of their educational program. These Allied Health students must have the following immunizations prior to their entering the health care facility. These immunizations are not required at this time for the general student population of Schreiner University. However, each student at Schreiner University is urged to use this table to determine their individual immunity to the diseases below. If you do not meet each of the criteria in the “Schedule for Immunization,” we recommend that you update your immunizations immediately.

For more information, see the amended Sections 2.09 and 2.09a of the Texas Education Code and the Texas Board of Health rules including the revisions adopted July 20, 1991, or call the Texas Department of Health, Immunization Division, 1-800-252-9152.