REQUIREMENTS for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS due PRIOR to Orientation or Course Registration

Students will not be able to register for classes or receive a residence hall assignment until this information is received by the Student Health Center at St. Mary's University

Meningitis Vaccine REQUIREMENT--A TEXAS LAW!

ALL NEW International students to St. Mary's University, including transfer and returning students, must submit the Meningitis Vaccine Requirement Form. A student must show evidence of receipt of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster during the five-year period preceding, and at least 10 days prior to, the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls at St. Mary's University. Returning students that have had a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester at St. Mary's University, are also required to comply with the meningitis vaccination.

Meningitis Vaccine Exemption Process

Students can choose to seek an exemption to the vaccination by submitting a Conscientious Objection form. The Conscientious Objection form submitted by commuter students, wo are over the age of 18, is different from that of students living on campus and ALL minors (under age 18--whether living on-campus or not). Commuter students, over the age of 18, may use the following form Meningitis Vaccine Objection Form for Commuter Students Students living on campus and all minors must use the official Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) form. The DSHS form may be ordered electronically. It is then mailed from DSHS to the student and it may take up to two weeks to receive the form. The DSHS form must be completed, notarized, and submitted to the Student Health Center, Attn: Talira Romero, Meningitis Vaccine Immunization Officer, Student Health Center, Box 45, San Antonio, Texas, 78228-8545. It is the student's responsibility to complete the DSHS form and have it notarized. Click here for the DSHS affidavit form.

Where is the Vaccine Available?

The Student Health Center offers the vaccine (Menveo) for $135 and will be offering the vaccine during the Community Fair at all summer Orientation sessions. You may also receive the meningococcal meningitis vaccine (Menveo or Menactra) from your private doctor or local clinic. There are also retail pharmacies, such as HEB, CVS and Walgreen's that offer this vaccine.

TB Screening

All International students must also complete the TB Screening Questionnaire and TB Risk Assessment Form (if applicable), and mail this to the Student Health Center prior to the first class day. The Student Health Center will be available during Orientation to perform TB skin testing. TB skin testing or TB screening by blood testing (IGRA) must be performed in the United States. For more information about TB screening, please visit the Student Health Center webpage.

Health Insurance Requirement

All residence hall students, athletes, and international students are automatically charged for the St. Mary's University sponsored health insurance plan. Please check your business account for the health insurance charge. If you wish to opt out or waive this plan, then you must submit your health insurance information online before the 12th class day of the semester that you are entering at Academic Healthplans. The online waiver process will become available on December 1, 2012. The DEADLINE to submit a waiver for the Spring 2013 semester is January 31, 2013. There are no extensions to this deadline.

Please contact the Student Health Center at (210) 436-3506 or e-mail us at healthcenter@stmarytx.edu if you have any questions regarding the MENINGITIS VACCINE REQUIREMENT, the TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING REQUIREMENT, or the STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN. You may also fax your documents to (210) 436 3656.