First time college students and new transfers under the age of 30 are now required to get a meningitis vaccine before starting school in Texas. The new statute was passed in 2011 after a Texas A&M student died from the disease. Schools around the state are reporting shortages, cost hikes, and other assorted problems with implementation.
From an article profiling South Plains College on KFYO radio:
South Plains College students have an increased deadline to get a now mandatory vaccine. Many Lubbock pharmacies have ran out of the meningitis vaccine, which is now mandatory for new college students or those returning after taking a semester off.
KAMC 28 reports the law requires students to have the vaccine ten days before classes start. Originally SPC required proof of the shot yesterday by 4:00, however that deadline has been changed to January 17th. The Lubbock health department and Walgreens have the vaccine available, and United Supermarkets locations are awaiting a shipment. The vaccine runs about $130. Those without health insurance can get the vaccine for $10 at the health department.
Community colleges are particularly vulnerable to problems since the law applies to non-resident students for the first time and most two-year college students commute. Some have attempted to register for classes without being vaccinated, saying they were unaware of the requirement. However, it is difficult to find a college Web site without a prominent announcement of the new policy and what students must do.
It's unclear at this point how many students around the state may be turned away from classes, which start next week on most campuses. Some institutions are allowing students to pay for the shots on the installment plan.
Then there are the supply problems. "Dallas County ordered 50,000 doses from the state. Only 4,000 doses have been delivered," according to WFAA TV.
When the state planned for the new law, policy makers announced intentions to have shots available to noninsured or underinsured students at a subsidized cost. However, these low cost vaccines are running low, reports indicate.
One of the problems is that the state exemption from vaccine requirements isn't widely publicized. In Texas you can opt out of any or all vaccine requirements for reasons of conscience.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/
https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm
Posted by: Meredith Rentz Cook | January 24, 2012 at 02:45 PM