Meningitis Vaccination
Texas state law requires that students under the age of 22 submit documentation of current MCV4 Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination, unless an exemption has been granted. Documentation is due by May 15. Failure to submit documentation will result in a hold being placed on your account. You will not be able to move into the residence hall or attend classes if the hold is in place.
The MCV4 bacterial meningitis vaccination (Menveo or MenQuadFi) is available in the Health Center by appointment.
Please call 254-710-1010 or log into your Health Portal to set up an appointment time to see a nurse for this important vaccination.
Bexsero and Trumenba are solely Meningitis B Vaccines and DO NOT meet the requirements of the State of Texas.
A Texas State law states ALL new students under the age of 22 must show proof of meningococcal vaccination within the last 5 years and at least 10 days prior to the first class day.
At the current time, students MAY submit housing applications prior to providing the required MCV4 documentation (Menactra, Menveo, MenQuadfi, or Penbraya). However students MAY NOT register for classes, move into their residence hall, or attend class without providing proof of their current MCV4 Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination (Meningitis B vaccines are NOT accepted for this requirement) or an appropriate exemption form to the Health Services office.
The law defines an "entering student" as: "(A) New student – a first-time student of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education and includes a student who transfers to the institution from another institution; (B) A student who previously attended an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education before January 1, 2012, and who is enrolling in the same or another institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester."
All students must properly complete the Medical Clearance questions via their Health Portal, which will require the month, date and year of meningitis vaccination, and the uploading of proper documentation.
Exemption
Texas law allows for an exemption from immunizations for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. There are two different processes to obtain an exemption form depending on the student's age and living situation.
A Student May Request an Exemption from Required Vaccinations for Religious or Other Health Reasons.
Incoming students must use the official Texas Health and Human Services exemption affidavit. The form can be downloaded at DSHS.Texas.gov. The original form must be completed, notarized, and mailed to Baylor University Health Services Attn: Medical Records, 209 Speight Ave Fl 2, Waco, TX 76706. It is the student's responsibility to complete the form and have it notarized and mailed in time to arrive before their move-in date. More information about the affidavit form is available at the Texas Health and Human Services Immunizations School & Child-care Requirements page.
Please note that the above exceptions do not apply during a disaster or public health emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or paramilitary activity or extraordinary law enforcement emergency declared by an appropriate official or authority from the Texas Department of State health Services and is in effect for Waco/McLennan County.
College students-particularly freshmen living in dorms on campus- are at an increased risk of contracting bacterial meningococcal disease. Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that can be fatal in as few as 48 hours and may leave survivors with permanent disabilities; therefore it requires early diagnosis and treatment. It is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms closely resemble those of the flu.
Although no vaccine offers 100% protection, the meningococcal ACWY vaccine offers the most complete protection against bacterial meningitis.
Updated 6/25/2026