Meningitis Vaccine FAQs

A serious potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It's an inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and brain. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. The 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 treatment , but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

All newly admitted students under the age of 22. Any student under the age of 22 who are returning to the University after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester.

The meningitis vaccination recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (MCV4 and MPSVP4) offers protection for Meningitis groups A,C, Y and W-135. The MCV4 and MPSV4 are the only vaccines currently accepted. The brand name for these are Menactra, Menveo, or MenQuadfi.

Yes

The vaccine given is MenQuadfi, and the charge is $152 plus a $20 administration fee. The Health Center can file insurance and the remainder will be billed to the student account. No money is taken at the time of the vaccination. The student will have to remain in the clinic for 20-30 minutes after receiving the vaccine to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

No, this is not allowed. You must provide documentation of your current MCV4 Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination prior to the cut off date of July 15th to avoid having a hold placed that will keep you from registering for classes. You will not be able to move into the residence hall or attend classes if the hold is in place.

No

Please provide a legible copy of your official immunization record from your doctor, local Health Department, or high school documenting your Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination administered within the past five years and 10 days prior to your first day of classes at Baylor. Submit this documentation with your completed Health Form to Baylor Health Services via fax (254-710-2499), e-mail at Health_Services@baylor.edu, or mail (One Bear Place #97060 Waco, TX 76798) Tips on locating immunization records can be found at Medical Records.

The student must fill out a Texas Health Department Exemption Form and have this form notarized and sent in to the health center. This form states that the student or parents are conscientious objectors and the "meningococcal vaccine" block must be checked on this form. If it is not on the list, the parent should add it and check it prior to having the form notarized.

No. Only MCV4 bacterial meningitis vaccine (Menactra or Menveo) is accepted.