UTMB Student Immunization Requirement

Immunization Requirements

• Immunization Requirements for all UTMB Students & Visiting Students

  Immunization requirements for ALL students are on the next page. All incoming students regardless of the program they are enrolling in must meet these requirements prior to first day of class. All current students must maintain an up-to-date immunization record.

  • MYSTAR IMMUNIZATION PROCESS:

  You must document your immunizations through mystar and upload supporting proof of all immunization requirements. To submit your immunizations, you will need to log into your mystar account and select the immunizations link under the “Holds and To Dos” sections. Once you list required dates and submit your records you will be asked to upload your immunization documentation. You will be able to upload multiple documents. The URL for the mystar login page is: https://mystar.utmb.edu/
  Also note the following when uploading to mystar:

  • You must submit a copy of the laboratory report on all titers and the report must have your name & DOB.
  • Your uploaded documentation must be legible and in English.
  • We recommend that students keep a personal copy of their immunizations and titers for future references.

  (Note: MSN AND DNP students must upload to Castlebranch at http://login.castlebranch.com/login).

  • IMMUNIZATION HOLD:

  Any student missing any immunization requirement will have a hold on their mystar account and the hold will remain until all requirements are met. This hold will prevent student from registering for class and other required activities. In order not to have a hold, all new incoming student must submit all required immunizations prior to start of school year (1-2 months prior) and all current students must maintain an up-to-date immunization record. If you do have a hold on your MYSTAR please complete the required immunization and upload to mystar. Student health receives all uploads 24 hour after the student has upload their information (weekend not included), the documents will be reviewed and updated by the SHC staff. SHC have dedicated staff that reviews all immunization submissions daily. NOTE: The hold automatically comes of 24 hours after the review process is completed. If a student still has a hold, it means they are still missing an immunization and they will need to contact student health by email @SHCemail@utmb.edu. Also email student health@ SHCemail@utmb.edu if you do not know what is causing your hold or which requirement you are missing.

  • SCHEDULING APPOINTMENT FOR REQUIRED VACCINES OR TITERS:

  If you are an incoming student or current student and needs immunizations or titers, schedule an appointment with Student Health and Counseling Services between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that you must complete option A above before you can schedule an appointment.
  Appointments can be scheduled online at: https://www.utmb.edu/studenthealth/appointments/medical-counseling

  An acceptable documentation of immunizations includes ONE of the following:

  • Documentation of vaccines administered that includes the signature or stamp of the physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel.
  • An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority, such as a registry.
  • A record received from school officials.
  • All immunization record must have your name and date of birth.

  If you have any questions regarding immunization requirements, please check https://www.utmb.edu/studenthealth/student-information/utmb-immunization-services/immunization-faqs.
  For all other questions not covered above please email Student Health@ SHCemail@utmb.edu.

  TYPE OF IMMUNIZATION	REQUIREMENTS
  COVID-19 Vaccine -Highly recommended but not required.	1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine bivalent (You are up to date). Johnson & Johnson: 1dose.  Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, administer the second dose at least 3-8 weeks, after Dose 1.
  FLU (Influenza)Vaccine- highly recommended but not required. Annual requirement for all SON-BSN student.	One dose Annually.
  Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis (TdaP)	One dose of TDAP (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) and a booster dose every 10 years thereafter.
  Measles (Rubeola)	Two doses of measles or two MMR vaccines (separated by at least 28 days) after the first birthday OR a positive titer confirming immunity *
  Mumps	Two doses of mumps or MMR vaccine (separated by at least 28 days) after the first birthday OR a positive titer confirming immunity*
  Rubella (German Measles)	One dose of rubella or MMR vaccine after the first birthday OR a positive titer confirming immunity*
  ***TB screening Test (QuantiFERON Blood Test) SHP & SON-BSN STUDENTS: Needs annual TB screening as part of their clinical site requirements.	QuantiFERON blood test within the past 3 months, even for those who have received BCG vaccine as a child. A negative result is accepted and if positive will need a chest x-ray documenting no active tuberculosis along with a TB Evaluation form.
  Annual TB screening questionnaire	Annual Screening Questionnaire for all UTMB Student regardless of history of +/- Skin test /Qgold. All Student must complete one yearly.
  Hepatitis B Series	Option a or b are required. a.  2 doses Heplisav-B & a Positive antibody titer * OR b.  3 doses of Enegerix-b & a Positive antibody titer *
  **Meningococcal (Meningitis)	One dose of meningitis vaccine if you will be younger than 22 prior to the beginning of classes. The vaccine must be administered within 5 years and at least 10 days prior to enrollment. (Students 22 and older are NOT required to have meningitis immunization)
  Varicella (Chickenpox)	Two doses of varicella vaccine (second dose one month after first dose) OR a positive varicella titer confirming immunity. * History of chickenpox disease is NOT accepted*

  *ALL LAB REPORT MUST HAVE YOUR NAME & DOB. ALL LAB VALUES MUST HAVE REFERENCE RANGE*

  **Important information regarding the Meningococcal Vaccine**
  Texas law mandates that Texas universities and health science centers require all new and transfer students show proof of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. The law does not apply to new and transfers students who are 22 or older at the time of enrollment or who are enrolled only in distance learning classes.

  *** TB SCREENING TEST INFORMATION***

  1. All new incoming students will go through initial TB screening with QuantiFERON gold blood test and not PPD skin test. 
  2. All current students with negative TB result will no longer need annual testing unless there is new known exposure to TB or has traveled to TB prone areas. All students that travel to TB prone areas will need to do an additional Q-gold blood test.
  3. Per UTMB policy All students with positive QuantiFERON gold are required to be treated for Latent TB. Please follow up with Student Health or your PCP for the required treatment of LTBI.

  For all Exemptions, please email Student Health at shcemail@utmb.edu.
  

  Information on Texas minimum requirements for Student Enrolled in Healthcare coursework can be found here:

  https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunization-unit/texas-school-child-care-facility-immunization/texas-minimum-vaccine-requirements.
  

  UTMB complies with the State of Texas Higher Education Mandatory Immunization Requirements and recommendations of the Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization Division and the CDC. Immunizations MUST be completed before a student may participate in direct patient care.

  Revised: 8/9/2023

• Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine Requirement

  Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine Requirement

  The University of Texas Medical Branch complies with Senate Bill 62 and Texas Education Code 51.9192 ”the Jamie Schanbaum Act and Nicolis Williams Act”, which requires entering students of a Texas institution of higher education, including transfer students, to show evidence of immunization for bacterial meningitis prior to enrollment. The vaccination must be within the last 5 years or a booster is required and must have been given at least 10 days before the first day of class.

  Students Who Must Comply with this Requirement:

  • All NEW students entering UTMB , who are under 22 years of age, the first day of class in January 2014 and thereafter.

  Students Who are Exempt:

  • If you will be age 22 or older the first day of classes of the semester in which you are enrolling at UTMB.
  • If you will be enrolled exclusively in online or distance education courses. NOTE: An online or other distance education course that includes a face-to-face component, including meeting in a testing laboratory with other students, or meeting in a classroom to receive interactive video instruction, does not qualify as an online or other distance education course. New Student Orientation is considered a classroom interaction.
  • If you cannot take the vaccine because of medical reasons. To prevent registration from being affected, this must be submitted to Student Health with documentation from your physician.
  • You decline the vaccine due to reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. To prevent registration from being affected you must submit to Student Health a completed notarized form from the Texas Department of State Health Services. This form can be found at www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school. Please allow 2 weeks to receive your form from the state. Exemption forms must be received at least 90 days from when the form was notarized.
  • If your Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board CE course is less than 360 hours

  Acceptable documentation to prove that you meet the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine Requirement includes:

  • The UTMB Student Health Immunization Record Form signed or stamped by a physician, NP, or PA or other clinic or public health personnel showing month, day, and year of vaccine or booster.
  • An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority that includes the same information as above.
  • The signature or stamp of a provider on a form showing month, day, and year of the vaccine or booster. Documentation must be in English and include full name and date of birth.
• Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis

  Important Information about Bacterial Meningitis

  This information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast – so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

  What are the Symptoms?

  • High fever
  • Severe headache
  • Rash or purple patches on skin
  • Vomiting
  • Light sensitivity
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion and sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Lethargy
  • Seizures

  There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

  How is Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosed?

  • Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

  How is the Disease Transmitted?

  • The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.

  How Do You Increase Your Risk of Getting Bacterial Meningitis?

  • Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
  • Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).

  What are the Possible Consequences of the Disease?

  • Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
  • Permanent brain damage
  • Kidney failure
  • Learning disability
  • Hearing loss, blindness
  • Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
  • Gangrene
  • Coma
  • Convulsions

  Can the Disease Be Treated?

  • Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.
  • Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
    •   Those living in close quarters
    •   College students 25 years old or younger
  • Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
  • Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
  • The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
  • Vaccination is very safe – most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.

  How Can I Find Out More Information?

  • Contact your own health care provider.
  • Contact your Student Health at (409) 747-9508.
  • Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at (409) 763-7200.
  • Contact web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo; www.acha.org