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Immunization Requirement: Bacterial Meningitis 

The State of Texas requires all incoming students, 21 years old and younger, to provide proof of vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis or an approved exemption at least 10 days before classes begin. After students are admitted to the university, a hold is placed on their student account until a valid immunization record or an approved exemption has been received by the department of Student Health Services. The meningitis hold will prevent the student from registering for classes and applying for campus housing.

If the student will be 22 years old or older by the first day of classes, they are exempt from this requirement. If the age exemption applies and there is a meningitis hold on your account, contact Student Health Services at (713) 313-7173 to have the hold removed.

What is Bacterial Meningitis?

Bacterial Meningitis is a very serious disease that can progress fast, causing inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.  The bacteria can also cause septicemia, a potentially fatal infection of the bloodstream. Long term consequences of this infection can include loss of limb(s), loss of hearing, and in some cases, loss of life. 

Common symtoms of meningitis include a sudden onset of fever, a severe headache, and a stiff neck. For more detailed information about  this disease, visit TSU's "Bacterial Meningitis" webpage or click

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has vaccination recommendations to help prevent this disease. To increase your protection, consult with your healthcare provider about vaccination against all types of vaccine preventable meningitis.

Who needs to send in an immunzation record?

All students 21 years old or younger:

• entering TSU for the first time, including transfer students.
• returning to TSU after a break in enrollment of at least one Fall or Spring semester.
• applying for campus housing.

What is a valid immunization record for meningitis?

An immunization record must be valid for us to remove the meningitis hold. To be valid the record must meet the following criteria:

• The record must be legible.
• The record must include the student's name and date of birth.
• The immunization must be administered within the past 5 years and at least 10 days before classes start.
• The immunization can not be expired, meningitis vaccinations expire after 5 years.
• International records must be translated into English.

How do I send my immunization record to TSU?

Click on the maroon  "My Tiger Health Patient Portal" button, located on the right side of this page or go to to upload your immunization record. You must have a TSU email and Student Identification Number (T-number) to access the My Tiger Health Patient Portal.

What happens after I send in my immunization record?

You will receive an email from Student Health Services. The email will come from "NoReply@Medicat.com You have received a Secure Message from TSU Health or Counseling." The email will say your immunization record is valid and the hold will be removed or your immunization record is invalid and state what needs to be corrected on the record.  The email will be sent to your TSU email. To read the message do the following:

• Click on the link in the email to view your message.
• Remember to check your junk or spam folder for the email.
• Allow up to 3 business days for processing.

Besides the age exemption, what other exemptions are there?

• Affidavit from the State of Texas 
  • Click on the maroon "Meningitis Affidavit" button on the right side of the page to access the most recent Affidavit Form from the Texas department of State Health Services, Form F11-11755. It can be downloaded from their website. Once completed and notarized by a Texas Notary, it can be sent to Student Health Services through the My Tiger Health Patient Portal. 
  • Do not make changes to Form F11-11755 as we can not accept the form if it has been altered. Affidavits must be given to TSU within 90 days from the date it is notarized and is valid for 2 years.
  • There is an older version of the DSHS Affidavit. Once completed, this form must be hand delivered or mailed to Student Health Services at 3100 Cleburne St, Houston, Texas, 77004. Student Health Services must have the original, copies will not be accepted.
  • Please contact us at (713) 313 - 7173 if you have questions about the State Affidavit.
• Medical exemption
  • Medical exemptions must be signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States. It should state that in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student. It must include the physician’s contact information, and it must be signed by the physician. 
  • Upload medical documentation to the My Tiger Health Patient Portal at or click on the maroon "My Tiger Health Patient Portal" button, located on the right side of this page.

Providing a valid immunization record for bacterial meningitis or an approved exemption is required by the State of Texas.