Immunizations

Hepatitis B 

All students enrolling at UT Health San Antonio must be immunized against Hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B vaccine and a positive titer (IgG) confirming immunity is required (must include a copy of the laboratory report documenting the quantitative value of the titer).

The health science center will accept either the standard Hepatitis B series (3 injections), the Hepatitis A&B combo vaccine series (3 injections), or the Heplisav-B series (2 injections).  A titer (IgG) must be drawn no sooner than 4-8 weeks after the last dose of any Hepatitis B series.  The Hepatitis B series and titer can take between 2 to 7 months to complete.

Bacterial Meningitis

Pursuant to SB 1107 enacted by the State of Texas, all new students enrolling in the health science center must provide proof that the meningitis vaccination was administered at least 10 days prior to the first day of the term. Bacterial meningitis vaccinations must have been received or renewed within the last 5 years. The legislation provides for some exceptions:

1. Students who are over 21 years of age and 
2. Students taking 100% of classes online

Students who qualify for exceptions and wish to exercise the same must use an affidavit issued from the Texas Department of State Health Services to claim an exemption based on conscientious or religious objections. Failure to do so consistent with the noted time frame will preclude registration.

Bacterial meningitis is a serious, contagious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast, so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100–125 on college campuses, leading to 5–15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities. Keeping up to date with recommended immunizations and maintaining health habits, such as getting plenty of rest and avoiding close contact with sick people, are ways to prevent meningitis.

What are the symptoms?

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Rash or purple patches on skin
• Stiff neck
• Light sensitivity
• Nausea
• Confusion and sleepiness
• Seizures
• Lethargy

There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body.

The more symptoms, the higher the risk for severe illness, long term effects, and death.  If symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?

• Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.

Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

How is the disease transmitted?

• The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.

How do you increase your risk of getting bacterial meningitis?

• Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
• Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).

What are the possible consequences of the disease?

• Death (in 8 to 24 hours from feeling perfectly well)
• Permanent brain damage
• Kidney failure
• Learning disability
• Hearing loss
• Blindness
• Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
• Gangrene
• Coma
• Convulsions

Can the disease be treated?

• Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.
• Vaccinations are available and should be considered for those living in close quarters and college students 25 years old or younger.
• Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
• Vaccinations take 7–10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3–5 years.
• The cost of vaccine varies so check with your health care provider.
• Vaccination is very safe – the most common side effects are redness and minor pain at the injection site for up to two days.

How can I find out more information?

• Contact your own healthcare provider.
• Contact Wellness360 at 210-567-2788.
• Contact Web sites:  
  • http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html 
  • http://www.acha.org/Topics/meningitis.cfm 

Tuberculosis Screening

All students must submit the following Tuberculosis (TB) screening results:

• TB Two Step: Two SEPARATE PPD skin tests with negative results dated within 1-3 weeks of each other, and the most recent dated within the last 12 months. 

OR

• Negative TB blood test with negative results dated within 12 months. (QuantiFERON TB Gold or T-Spot accepted).

An annual update is required and must be renewed before the previous test expires.

For those persons with a history of a positive skin test regardless of whether they have chosen to take latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment or not:

1. Proof of a negative chest x-ray result dated within the last 5 years and after the initial positive PPD/ blood test.

 AND

   2.  Annual TB symptom-free screening is mandatory at UT Health San Antonio.  This screening must be conducted by a qualified healthcare provider before the expiration of the previous year’s TB symptom-free note.

Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) or Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis (TdaP)

Proof of booster shot with either the Td or TdaP within the past 10 years is required. Healthcare workers who have direct patient contact should get one dose of TdaP. A 2-year interval since the last Td is suggested but not required.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella

All students must submit one of the following:

Proof of vaccination with:

1. Measles - 2 vaccines required (documents must indicate that the first measles vaccine was administered after your first birthday or it will be invalid) 
2. Mumps & Rubella - 1 vaccine each

                   OR

• MMR combo vaccine – 2 doses, the second dose of MMR administered at least 4 weeks/28 days after the first dose (documentation must indicate that the first MMR was administered after your first birthday or it will be invalid)

OR

• Laboratory report of positive immune serum antibody titer (IgG) for Measles, Mumps and Rubella. If titer is negative, 2 new doses are required. Repeat titer is not required.

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

All students must submit one of the following:

• Documentation of two immunizations administered on or after the first birthday and at least 4 week/28 days apart.

OR

• Documentation from a healthcare provider verifying a history of varicella or herpes zoster must include the date of diagnosis.

OR

• Laboratory report of positive immune serum antibody titer (IgG). If titer is negative, 2 new doses are required. Repeat titer is not required.

Influenza (Flu)

It is optimal to have immunity throughout the flu season, typically October – March. Please check with your school admissions office to determine if it has a particular timeline/deadline, or if you require an exemption. Documentation of receiving the flu vaccination must be received annually. Frequently asked questions and answers about the flu can be found on the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

COVID-19

1. The COVID-19 vaccine is offered to all students, employees and faculty at UT Health San Antonio.
2. We strongly encourage COVID-19 vaccination for everyone that comes to our campus for studies or employment.
3. Some clinical sites that partner with UT Health San Antonio may require COVID-19 vaccination for participation at their venues. It is important to recognize that failure to receive the COVID-19 vaccine increases your potential risk of infection and could also limit your clinical rotation options.   

Questions

For all questions related to UT Health San Antonio immunization requirements, please contact Wellness360 or UTHSA@SentryMD.com.