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Immunization Requirements

Requirements for UHCL Students

Texas law requires that all entering students under the age of 22 provide a certificate signed by a health care provider or an official immunization record verifying that a student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, or has received a booster during the five years prior to registration.

You will not be able to register for classes without providing documentation or exemption for this vaccination.

The vaccine must be received 10 days before the first day of the semester.

Vaccination Deadlines

Semester/Year/Session First Day of Class Deadline to Receive Vaccination*
Spring 2024 Regular and 1st 8-Weeks January 16, 2024 January 6, 2024
Spring 2024 2nd 8-Weeks March 18, 2024 March 8, 2024

Request an Extension

Options to Submit Documentation

Mail or Fax

Mail or Fax Documentation

Office of the Registrar
Attn: Immunization
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Box #86
Houston, TX 77058-1002

Fax Number:
281-226-7230

Drop Off

Drop Off Documentation

University of Houston-Clear Lake
Office of the Registrar
UHCL Campus
SSCB Suite 3203

UH-Clear Lake at Pearland
Office of Enrollment Services
1200 Pearland Parkway
Pearland, TX 77581

Upload

Uploading Documentation in E-services

To upload your documentation. Please follow the simple process outlined in the Uploading Bacterial Meningitis Records document.

On all documentation, please add your seven-digit UHCL ID to the top right corner of your immunization record or proof of exemption.

Obtaining Immunizations

Individuals with No Healthcare

For more information, visit the Immunization FAQ section below.

UHCL Health Services

UHCL Health Services is Offering the Meningitis Vaccine. No appointment necessary, however this is on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a limited supply. Offered to admitted student while supplies last. For pricing and availability, contact:

Health Services

Phone: 281-283-2626
Fax: 281-283-2624
Email: healthservices@uhcl.edu
www.uhcl.edu/health

SSCB 1.1301
2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 260
Houston, TX 77058-1002

Office hours:
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Please call ahead during holidays and semester breaks.

Local Public Health Departments

  • Antoine Clinic
    5815 Antoine
    Houston, TX 77091
    Phone: 713-602-3300
  • Baytown Clinic
    1000 Lee Drive
    Baytown, TX 77520
    Phone: 281-427-5195
  • Humble Clinic
    1730 Humble Place
    Humble, TX 77338
    Phone: 281-446-4222
  • Southeast Clinic
    3737 Red Bluff
    Pasadena, TX 77503
    Phone: 713-740-5000

Immunization Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to comply with the Meningitis Vaccination Law?

  • all newly admitted students
  • students returning to the university after an absence of at least one fall or spring semester

Texas Senate Bill 1107 (now TEC 51.9192) was passed and signed into law by Texas State Governor Rick Perry. Effective January 1, 2012, TEC 51.9192 (amended by SB No. 62, effective Oct. 1, 2013) requires all students, unless exempt, entering an institution of higher education (public and private) to either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet certain criteria for declining such a vaccination before the first day of the semester.

Which students are exempt from providing proof of the vaccination?

  • students 22 years of age or older by the first day of the semester
  • students only enrolled in distance education (online) courses
  • students (or parents/guardians) who provide:
    • an affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, and in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student; or
    • an affidavit notarized and signed by the student, stating that you decline the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscience exemption form issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used. Also, students must submit original form to us no later than 90 days after having it notarized.

What is the time frame for the vaccine or booster?

The date of the vaccination or receipt of the booster must fall within the last five years and at least 10 days before the start of the semester.

What documents are acceptable as proof of vaccination?

NOTE: Any Meningitis shot not administered within the last five years will not be accepted, as proof. Acceptable proof includes one of the following:

  • A form containing the month, date and year that the vaccine was administered, with the signature, E-Signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee or public health personnel.
  • An official Immunization record generated from a state of local health authority that shows the month, day, and year the vaccination was administered.
  • An official record received from school officials; this includes records from out of state. The record must include the name, title, signature, and date of school official.
  • UHCL's Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Immunization Compliance Form containing the required information with the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel. Please read the compliance form instructions carefully. All students must choose option 1 or 2 and fully complete the document. The Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Immunization Compliance Form must have the health professional's signature and credentials and be submitted with attachments to UHCL.

If I am not enrolled in an online program and I plan to take some online classes, do I have to comply with the law?

As long as you intend to attend face-to-face classes at any teaching location, you are required to present evidence of vaccination or exemption.

Can I be admitted to UHCL without the immunization documentation?

Yes, you can be admitted to UHCL without providing the required immunization documentation. However, you will not be able to register for classes until we receive proof of vaccination or the necessary documentation to provide you with an exemption.

How much time do I have to comply with the vaccination requirements?

  • If you are a newly admitted students should obtain the required vaccination or booster documentation upon submitting your application.
  • If you are a returning students should obtain the required vaccinator or booster documentation when you decide to enroll for the semester.

Proof of vaccination is not required to be considered for admission.

What happens if I don't provide the necessary documentation?

  • You will not be able to register until the proper medical documentation is received.
  • A registration hold will be placed on your E-services account, and a "pending" item will remain on your student checklist.

I'm an international student. Will a vaccination from my home country fulfill UHCL's requirement?

Yes, a vaccination record from a country outside the U.S. will meet the requirements. If the vaccination record is in a language other than English, we will need an English translation of the document.

How far in advance should I plan to arrive in the U.S. in order to receive the vaccine/booster shot?

If you plan to receive the vaccine in the U.S., you should arrive no later than 2 weeks prior to the first day of classes. You will need to wait 10 days after the vaccination before you are allowed to register and attend classes or move into on-campus housing.

As an international student, can I present medical documentation from my country in order to get an exemption due to medical reasons?

Unfortunately, the law requires that you visit a doctor in the U.S. to be able to get an exemption for medical reasons. We recommend that you bring an English translation of your records with you, so that you can present them to a U.S physician. You will need to make sure that your travel arrangements will give you sufficient time to visit a doctor in the U.S.

As an international student, how can I get an exemption for reasons of conscience?

You must follow the same guidelines and procedures outlined for domestic students. A conscience exemption form issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used. Also, all students must submit original form to us no later than 90 days after having it notarized by a US notary. Please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services for more information.

Where do I send the required documentation?

Option 1, You can mail or fax the documents to:

Office of the Registrar
Attn: Immunization
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Box #86
Houston, TX 77058-1002
Fax Number: 281-226-7230

Option 2, You can drop off the documentation at:

Office of the Registrar
UHCL Campus
SSCB Suite 3203

Option 3, Uploading the documentation in E-services

To upload your documentation. Please follow the simple process outlined in the Uploading Bacterial Meningitis Records document.

Who do I call if I still have questions?

Please direct your questions to the UHCL Welcome Center at 281-283-2722

Can I get a copy of my immunization documentation later after I submit to UHCL?

No, the university does not provide copies of immunization record submissions. The student is expected to make a copy of their immunization documentation before submission to UHCL for their records.

Contact

  • Office of the Registrar

    Phone: 281-283-2525
    Fax: 281-226-7230
    Email: registrar@uhcl.edu

    SSCB 3203
    2700 Bay Area Blvd
    Houston, TX 77058-1002

    Office hours:
    Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.