Meningitis Vaccine

The meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal disease. This disease is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Texas State Law effective January 1, 2012: Any entering student at any Texas college or university who is under 30 years old must be immunized before attending classes (and must have received the vaccine within the preceding 5 years and at least 10 days prior to the first class day) or provide exemption information. Information about the new law is available at: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/.

Schedule a Vaccination

The SMU Student Health Center has the bacterial meningitis vaccination available.

  • This vaccination is offered during the Immunization Cinic times on Wednesdays, 9-11 AM and 1:30 - 3:30 PM.  No appointment is necessary.
  • Outside of Immunization Clinic times, you may call 214-768-2141 to make an appointment.
  • The cost is $150. A receipt may be obtained for insurance purposes.

You may also obtain a meningitis immunization at you doctor’s office, a local pharmacy which provides immunizations or the county health department.

Submit Proof of Vaccination

An enrollment hold is placed on the record of every new student prior to their enrollment date at SMU. This hold will be removed when the Health History form is returned to SMU Memorial Health Center.

  • Please submit documentation at least 10 days prior to the first day of class.
  • Written proof of immunization must be submitted to the SMU Health Center with the Health History Form.  
  • Students may submit a conscientious exemption form. Please see next section for appropriate form and instructions.

Reasons of Conscience Exemptions

Students may submit a conscientious exemption form. Please follow these instructions:

New Students LIVING IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

  • Order the Conscientious Objection form electronically from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) at: https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm. The form is mailed from DSHS to the student and may take up to two weeks to receive the form. Students must submit the completed and notarized form to the Health Center.
  • To read more about the policy revision, please visit The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Bacterial Meningitis web site.

New Students NOT LIVING IN ON-CAMPUS HOUSING: