UPDATE: ACC students affected by the state’s new meningitis immunization law now can submit their documents to the Magnus Health SMR portal for review and verification. Check your ACCmail for a message from Magnus Health containing your username and password. Affected students must submit their documents by January 7, 2012, to avoid enrollment delays.
The Austin Community College District has selected Magnus Health SMR to manage compliance with the state’s new meningitis vaccination requirement that takes effect next month.
State law (Senate Bill 1107) requires all new students under age 30 who are entering a Texas college or university beginning January 2012 to provide proof of immunization for bacterial meningitis.
Once the compliance system is implemented, ACC students will submit evidence of vaccination directly to Magnus Health. (See instructions) If declining the vaccination, the student must submit either an affidavit from a personal physician stating medical risk or an approved conscientious objection form from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
ACC is working with Magnus Health to implement the secure portal, which will collect, store, and manage meningitis immunization records.
Until that time, students are encouraged to take steps to obtain the vaccination or gather exemption documentation in order to avoid enrollment delays. Look for further notice of when the college begins accepting submissions.
See the immunization information page for details on the state law, types of documentation, and locations to obtain the vaccination.
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By Jumpin Jihocipher December 4, 2011 - 11:39 am
J.J.!!!!!!!! GEE ACC if everthing about having someone come on site and administer the shots the week(s) of registration. Or maybe put it on the students tuition tab. The blood drive you put on etc.. why not put on a Menghie shot clinic. THat should give Student Health and life or the medical school we all have paid so dearly for through our tuition. Get those nusery rhymes out there to show us what they are learning. YEAH! I bet if you asked the drug mfgers so contribute or put your paws out there someone might grease your palms. ow that hurt. Also why would every new student have to get the shot? IT is mainly for kids, what about people that are over 30-70 years old? Address the situation, your information is sketchy and is not well explained. No links nothing. Maybe call UT and ask them for help.
By mreyes December 7, 2011 - 11:07 am
The new meningitis verification portal is now live for ACC students to submit their evidence if meningitis immunization or exemption. See austincc.edu/apply/immunizations for information and instructions on submitting documents. ACC does not have a health center, so students should go to their physician or other health provider to receive the vaccination. Uninsured and underinsured students can receive low-cost meningitis vaccinations at their county health department. Locations are listed on the meningitis information page.
By Joel December 8, 2011 - 2:51 pm
I wish you guys had mentioned the age thing in ACC101. I’m 33 and got a vaccination without needing one. That’s $150 down the drain.
By mreyes December 8, 2011 - 3:46 pm
Joel, I’ll pass your suggestion to the ACC101 folks. I’m sorry for the confusion. While the law doesn’t mandate immunization for students over 30, meningitis is still a life-threatening illness to all ages. See this news interview with a meningitis survivor.
By LEEANN December 8, 2011 - 8:16 pm
When should we expect a message from Magnus Health SMR to include our username and a temporary password because I have checked my acc mail acct everyday and none yet from them. I just got my vaccines and want to go ahead and submit my info, pls let me know, thanks!
By mreyes December 9, 2011 - 7:34 am
Hi Leeann. Thanks for checking! Magnus Health has a database of spring-enrolled students who are affected by the law. You may email their service team directly at [email protected], start a live chat, or call (877) 461.6831.
By LEEANN December 9, 2011 - 7:47 am
Thanks for the quick response, I am currently enrolled already for spring semester, just got done with fall semester and it should affect me, I’m only 24 years old?! But I can’t go on their website without an email/password to submit my documents….
By mreyes December 9, 2011 - 8:56 am
Leeann, it appears you’re exempt from the law at this time IF you attended the fall semester.
Senate Bill 1107 exempts current college students unless they transfer to another college/university or leave ACC for a fall or spring semester.
While not mandated by law, immunization makes sense. View the news video to hear a survivor, or find out important facts about meningitis from the Centers for Disease Control.
By brittany December 11, 2011 - 1:52 pm
hi, i am not a new student. but just finished my firsst fall semester, and am enrolled for the spring already. Do i have to take the vaccine?
By mreyes December 11, 2011 - 2:28 pm
Brittany, the law exempts students who attended in fall.
By Tori December 14, 2011 - 12:06 pm
So what happens if I don’t get my meningitis shot in time? Can I not attend class? Will I not be able to register?
By ACC Staff December 15, 2011 - 1:45 pm
Tori, Texas law requires that all entering and returning student under 30 must have the immunization no later than 10 days before the start of the semester, or have an approved certificate of exemption from the state or their physician, and that the records must be on file at ACC, through Magnus, by the start of classes in January order to attend classes. If students have not met this requirement before classes start, ACC will be notifying them to inform them of the consequence for the spring semester.
By Taylor December 17, 2011 - 1:18 pm
I am not a new student to the college system but I will be transferring from a CA college to ACC this coming Spring semester. Do I still qualify for the exemption since I have been attending college for several semesters or will I need a vaccine since I will be new to the Texas college system?
By mreyes December 17, 2011 - 5:00 pm
Taylor, as a new ACC student, you are affected by the law and need to submit your documentation to Magnus Health. Check your ACCmail email account for a message from Magnus Health if you’ve already registered to classes.
By Donnah Tacchi December 21, 2011 - 6:28 pm
Do I need to get the shot I have been at ACC since 99?
By mreyes December 22, 2011 - 6:42 am
Donnah, you’re exempt if you are over 30 – which might be the case if you’ve attended ACC since 1999. Check the meningitis information page to confirm whether you’re affected.
By Joel D December 26, 2011 - 5:15 pm
I attended ACC back in 2003-until 2005. I came back last year for 2010 Fall semester and have attended ever since. I am currently enrolled for Spring 2012. I am not certain if I have to take the vaccine or not.
By mreyes December 26, 2011 - 8:23 pm
Joel, if you attended ACC this past fall semester, you are exempt from the requirement.
By del December 28, 2011 - 9:25 am
Just read the above comments and it’s easy to see nobody understands because ACC is trying to whitewash the issue into “MANDATORY vaccinations.” This is seriously disturbing ACC, especially from an ‘educational’ facility.
Please make it very clear to the other students who don’t read all of the fine print:
VACCINATIONS ARE NOT MANDATORY!
You must submit an affidavit, to get the affidavit you must request it from Texas DPS(Tax dollars at work!) Once you get it you will realize it’s not even designed for this purpose, but for parents and guardians!
Now that you see the scheme outright do you want to take the bait? I mean cmon, ACC says so, it must be good for you, oh and dont’t think for yourself either.
By mreyes January 2, 2012 - 11:19 am
Del,
Thank you for your feedback. The new law mandates students to provide proof they have taken action to either obtain or decline the vaccination. Students must provide their proof in order to attend classes.
We encourage all students to visit the immunization information page to better understand all their options regarding this new state law.
By mm December 28, 2011 - 2:32 pm
Where can I get this done cheap? I do not have insurance.
By Emily M December 29, 2011 - 3:10 pm
I am only taking online classes, Do I still have to have one?
By mreyes January 2, 2012 - 11:09 am
Emily, ACC’s online classes are not separate from in-class instruction, so students are affected. Check your ACCmail for a message regarding instructions on how to submit proof of obtaining or declining the vaccination.
By Joy Weatherman December 31, 2011 - 12:13 pm
I cannot find an email with instructions on how to submit my info. Where can I go?
By mreyes January 2, 2012 - 11:07 am
Not all students are affected by the new law, and messages are going only to those students who need to obtain or decline the immunization. Check your ACCmail account for a message from Magnus Health SMR or call their customer support line at (877) 461.6831.
By Taylor January 2, 2012 - 2:00 pm
Apologies if this has already been asked but when I went to look at the Affidavit for Exemption from Immunization, the form looks to be only for parents to fill out for their children, rather than for an individual them self. How should an individual fill out the form since it is asking for the parent’s or guardian’s name and mailing address and the name of the children being exempted?
By mreyes January 2, 2012 - 2:56 pm
Taylor, I just spoke with someone at the Texas Department of State Health Services. She advises adults to put their information under parent/guardian AND list themselves as the child. Your birthdate will indicate you aren’t a minor.
By Veronica January 3, 2012 - 11:00 am
I am not an incoming freshman, nor have I taken a break or re-enrolled in any institution of higher education. I also haven’t received any kind of email notifying me about receiving my meningitis shot. Would that place me under exempt seeing as how I fall under neither of those requirements?
By mreyes January 3, 2012 - 4:08 pm
Veronica, you are exempt if you are –
30 or older by the first class day they intend to enroll.
Under age 30 and attended ACC in fall 2011.
We’ve had a number of questions from current students, so look for an ACCmail coming your way. You also can contact Magnus Health directly to see if you’re in their database of affected students. The toll-free number is (877) 461.6831.
By Suzanna January 3, 2012 - 5:31 pm
I am starting this spring. i have already had the vaccination but have not received an email yet. I just finished registering today. should I have already received it or do they wait until you actually register??
By mreyes January 4, 2012 - 8:15 am
Suzanna, ACCmails are being sent to newly registered students daily. Check your ACCmail today or contact Magnus Health directly at (877) 461.6831.
By Brendan Weiss January 4, 2012 - 4:59 pm
I’m am going to get my shot tomorrow and I still have not got my login or password yet.What should I do?
By mreyes January 4, 2012 - 5:37 pm
Hi Brendan, contact Health Magnus directly in case you missed the ACCmail. The number is at (877) 461.6831.