What Is Bacterial Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The severity of illness and treatment differs depending on whether it is caused by a virus or bacterium. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and clears up without specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis can progress extremely fast, be severe and may result in brain damage, amputations, hearing and vision loss, learning disabilities or death.
How It Spreads:
- Coughing
- Kissing
- Sharing eating utensils and drinks
- Living in close quarters, like a dorm room
Vaccine Requirements for Texas
All students entering an institution of higher education are required to show proof of an initial meningococcal vaccination or a booster dose during the five-year period prior to enrolling or proof of an exemption. They must get the vaccine at least 10 days before the semester begins.
Proof of Vaccination
Students may show proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease by providing their college or university with an immunization record that shows they have been vaccinated against meningococcal disease in the last five years.
Acceptable proof includes one of the following:
- A form showing the signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel that shows the month, day, and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered.
- An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority that shows the month, day, and year the vaccination or booster dose was administered.
- An official record received from school officials (includes records from out of state).
Recommended Vaccines
• Flu and COVID-19 according to current CDC recommendations.