Meningitis shot required of new and former students

Published or Revised November 22, 2011

This spring semester the State of Texas is requiring all incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning students who did not attend Paris Junior College in the fall 2011 semester to show proof of immunization against bacterial meningitis. The law does not apply to students age 30 and over or to students who are enrolled only in online classes; all other students must comply. The meningitis vaccination or booster must have been administered within the last five years and before the start of the semester or term. Evidence of immunization needs to be turned in to the PJC Admissions Office. "You can give us a form signed or stamped by a physician, an official state or local immunization record or an official record from school officials," said PJC Admissions Director Amie Cato. Exemptions from the immunization are allowed. The Texas Department of State Health Services allows them based on: medical issues, reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, or active duty with the armed forces of the United States. Visit the Texas Department of State Health Services immunization web page for instructions on requesting an exemption (www.dshs.state.tx.us). Students can also go to their personal physician or other healthcare provider for the meningitis vaccination. For more information, call the PJC Admissions Office at 903-782-0425 or go to www.parisjc.edu/shot.