Bacterial MeningitisBeginning September 15, 2014, Alamo Colleges will be using Magnus Health to collect and process student bacterial meningitis information.  Magnus Health is a secure and easy-to-use website for submitting bacterial meningitis documentation.

THE LAWTexas State Law (SB 1107) established the requirement for students entering any Texas institution of higher education to provide proper documentation showing they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within five years and at least 10 calendar days before the beginning of the semester.

What is Bacterial MeningitisMeningitis 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.  It is also important to know what type of bacterial meningitis, because antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading and infecting other people.

Further information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

 

STEPS to Meet the Requirement1. Determine if the law applies to you 2. Gather required documents 3. Submit documents to Magnus Health

 

(Step 1) DETERMINE IF THE LAW APPLIES1. Does the Meningitis Law Apply to Me?

o YES, if you are Under 22 years old.  AND Enrolling for the first time as a credit student.  OR

Returning after a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.  OR

A Transferring or Transient student to Alamo Colleges from another college or university

A Continuing Education student enrolled in a program of 360 hours or more

 

o NO, you are exempt if you are 22 years of age or older by the first day of the semester.  OR A student not taking courses on an Alamo Colleges campus (online or

distance education). OR Enrolled continuously in Alamo Colleges since fall 2011.  OR Taking Continuing Education classes in a program of less than 360 hours.

 

2. How to comply with the law

o Submit proof of having received the bacterial meningitis vaccination within the last 5 years. OR

o Opt out of the vaccine by submitting an exemption form based on medical reasons, conscientious objection or taking only online courses.

(Step 2) GATHER DOCUMENTS1. Acceptable proof of having received the bacterial meningitis vaccination

A form; with the signature or stamp of a physician, designee, or public health personnel with the agency name and address; which documents when (month, date, year) the vaccination or booster was administered. 

An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority.

An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state.

2. Acceptable documentation for medical exemption

A certificate (a Magnus Health form is available) signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States.  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.

A letter on the physician’s letterhead with the above statement that includes the physicians signature and date.

Prescription notes and letters over 2 weeks old will not be accepted.

3. Acceptable documentation for taking only online courses

Complete the Alamo Colleges online waiver form Waiver is for 3 weeks.  Form must be updated and resubmitted for each term or semester only

online courses are taken.

4. Acceptable documentation for conscientious objection exemption

The Department of State Health Services community college conscientious objection form.

Complete the requested information.  Print the certificate.  You must use the form’s print button.  The correct exemption certificate will have a number in the upper right hand corner. 

the Department of State Health Services Affidavit for Exemption from Immunization.  This form must be notarized and mailed to Magnus Health, copies are not accepted.

 

(Step 3) SUBMITTING DOCUMENTSAllow 2 to 5 business days for processing

1. To submit vaccination records, or medical exemption

Log in to ACES.  Go to the Student tab.  Click the HOLDS link located under Academic Profile. Look for the bacterial meningitis hold.  You will not see the hold unless the law applies to you. A “BM” will show you meet the criteria and must submit the documentation before the hold is removed to allow for registration.

Under the Start Here tab, click Magnus SSO.  You will be redirected to the Magnus Health web site. Complete the process as directed. 

During the upload process you will be requested to submit the $10.00 retention fee to Magnus Health.

The Magnus barcode cover sheet must accompany your shot record when sending documents by mail or fax

Scan and upload (this is the quicker method), fax, or mail your vaccination record and barcode cover sheet to Magnus Health.  Magnus Health does not accept emailed records.

Magnus will review your documents and email an approved or rejected confirmation receipt.  Your hold will be removed with Alamo Colleges within two to three business days after approval.

2. To submit the conscientious objection exemption

Log in to ACES.  Go to the Student tab.  Click the HOLDS link located under Academic Profile. Look for the bacterial meningitis hold.  You will not see the hold unless the law applies to you. A “BM” will show you meet the criteria and must submit the documentation before the hold is removed to allow for registration.

Under the Start Here tab, click Magnus SSO.  You will be redirected to the Magnus Health web site. Complete the information as directed.

The Magnus barcode cover sheet must accompany your shot record when sending documents by mail or fax

If you are submitting the community college conscientious objection form (from above link) you may upload to Magnus.

During the process you will be requested to submit the $10.00 retention fee to Magnus Health.

If you are submitting the notarized affidavit conscientious objection form, THE ORIGINAL EXEMPTION FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED TO MAGNUS HEALTH BY MAIL with the barcode coversheet.  Faxed or uploaded copies will not be accepted.  Magnus Health does not accept emailed records.

Processing of conscientious objection documents will take two to five business days after they are received.

Magnus will review your documents and email an approved or rejected confirmation receipt.  Your hold will be removed with Alamo Colleges within two to three (change to read “two to three”) business days after approval.

3. To submit the online courses only waiver

The online waiver must be submitted to the Admissions & Records office of the campus you are attending.

Do not send Online Waiver to Magnus Health