Required Vaccinations

State law SB 1107 requires all first-time college students and some returning students to be immunized against bacterial meningitis. All incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning students who did not attend MCC in the previous major semester (fall or spring) will be required to provide proof of immunization against bacterial meningitis.

The law does not apply to students:

  • 22 and over.
  • enrolled only in Online Classes.
  • enrolled in Continuing Education courses or programs less than 360 hours or in Continuing Education corporate training.
  • enrolled in Dual Credit courses taught at a public or private K-12 facility.

Documentation of immunization may be delivered to Highlander Central:

  • In person in the Enrollment Services Center (a drop box is available if you don't want to wait to turn it in)
  • By mail to Highlander Central, McLennan Community College, 1400 College Drive, Waco, Texas 76708
  • Via fax at 254-299-6239
  • By email to studentadmissions@mclennan.edu

You may request an exemption from the immunization by filling out this form and delivering it to Highlander Central:

  • In person in the Enrollment Services Center (a drop box is available if you don't want to wait to turn it in)
  • By mail to Highlander Central, McLennan Community College, 1400 College Drive, Waco, Texas 76708

MCC students who are required to have the vaccination will not be allowed to register until they provide proof of immunization to the Highlander Central in the Enrollment Services Center.

Documentation showing that the student has received the immunization within the last five years must be provided at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester in order to register for classes. Students must submit one of the following in order to be cleared for registration:

  • the signature or stamp of a physician (or his/her designee) or public health personnel on a form that shows the month, day and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered
  • an official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority
  • an official high school or college transcript that includes documentation of immunization provided by school officials (including records from other states)

After submitting proof of immunization, there will be a waiting period to allow for the processing of immunization information before a student will be cleared for registration.

For more information about the bacterial meningitis immunization, please call 299-8MCC (8622).

About Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 1 in 20,000 people each year with the highest incident rate in 16-25 year olds. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis:

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

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, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

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.

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.

Possible complications of the disease include:

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

The disease can be treated with antibiotics - which, if received early, can save lives and increase chances of recovery. However, permanent disability or death can still occur. The vaccines available are safe and highly effective.

You can get more information about bacterial meningitis from your health care provider, the Waco-McLennan County Health District (254-750-5410) or the CDC website.

Department-specific Vaccination Requirements

For EMT/Paramedic classes:

  • Annual TB test
  • Hepatitis B series
  • TDAP within last 10 years
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)-proof of vaccination
  • Varicella – proof of vaccination or disease

For Allied Health programs (Certified Medical Assistant, Medical Lab Technician, Physical Therapy Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology and Surgical Technology):

  • Annual TB test
  • Hepatitis B series
  • TDAP within last 10 years
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)-proof of vaccination
  • Varicella – proof of vaccination or disease
  • Seasonal Flu vaccine (if appropriate-check with specific program)

For LVN/RN Nursing:

  • Annual TB Test with Result (Annual update required)
  • Tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (TD) – Every 10 Years)
  • Measles/Mumps/Rubella (2 MMR Vaccine) or 2 Rubella Measles, 1 Mump and 1 Rubella
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine #1, #2, #3 in series
  • Varicella – 2 shots or a Letter from a Parent, Guardian or Physician stating Nursing Student has had the Chicken Pox with signature.
  • Annual Flu Shot
  • (Only accepted CPR to be turned in with Immunizations) American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR.