In Texas, ensuring the health and safety of students in higher education is a priority. The state mandates bacterial meningitis vaccination for students attending institutions of higher education. However, Texas Health and Human Services provides a process for students who wish to claim a conscientious exemption from this requirement. This guide outlines how to request an affidavit for conscientious exemption, ensuring you understand the steps whether you are attending a community college or another higher education institution in Texas.
Exemption Process for Community Colleges and Public Junior Colleges
For students enrolled in a community college or public junior college in Texas, the process to request a conscientious exemption affidavit is streamlined online. The Texas Health and Human Services, through its designated online portal, allows students to directly generate and print their affidavit.
To begin, visit the official Meningococcal Vaccination Exemption Website. This website, managed under the umbrella of Health And Human Services Texas, is specifically designed for students at these institutions to easily access the required exemption form. Follow the instructions on the website to complete your request and obtain your affidavit.
Requesting an Affidavit for Other Higher Education Institutions via Texas Health and Human Services
Students attending universities or other institutions of higher education (excluding community and public junior colleges) must request the conscientious exemption affidavit directly from the Texas Department of State Health Services, a part of the broader health and human services texas system. This request needs to be formally submitted and include specific information to be processed.
When submitting your request, ensure you provide the following details:
- Full Name of Child or Student: Provide the complete legal name of the student needing the exemption.
- Date of Birth: Include the student’s date of birth in month/day/year format for accurate identification.
- Complete Mailing Address and Telephone Number: A valid mailing address and telephone number are necessary for communication and for the affidavit to be mailed to the correct recipient.
- Number of Requested Affidavit Forms: Specify the number of affidavit forms needed, keeping in mind the limit of five per request.
Requests can be submitted through various methods to accommodate different needs, all managed under the guidelines of health and human services texas. Please note that email and telephone requests are not accepted to maintain security and proper record-keeping.
Online Affidavit Request
The most efficient method to request your affidavit is through the Immunization Section’s Affidavit Request website. This online portal, a service of health and human services texas, ensures a quick and direct submission of your request.
Mail-In Affidavit Request
For those preferring to submit a physical request, you can mail a written request via the United States Postal Service or another commercial carrier to the following address:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Immunization Section, Mail Code 1946
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
This mail-in option ensures your request is officially documented with Texas Health and Human Services.
Fax Affidavit Request
Another method for submitting your written request is by fax. You can send your request to the Immunization Section at the fax number: 512-776-7544. Ensure all required information is clearly legible for processing by Texas Health and Human Services.
In-Person Affidavit Request
For direct, in-person submissions, you can visit the Texas Department of State Health Services at:
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
It is important to note that while you can submit your request in person, affidavit forms will not be provided immediately at the time of hand-delivery. All requested affidavit forms will be processed and subsequently mailed to you via the U.S. Postal Service. This procedure is in place to maintain order and ensure proper handling of all requests by Texas Health and Human Services.
By following these guidelines provided by Texas Health and Human Services, students can effectively request a conscientious exemption affidavit for the bacterial meningitis vaccine, ensuring compliance with state regulations while respecting personal beliefs.
