All students are required to provide documentation of two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, or proof of immunity (positive antibody titers).
Students under 22 years of age on the first day of classes, regardless of classification, must also provide documentation of one dose of the Meningococcal ACWY (MCV4) vaccine, in accordance with Texas state law. The vaccine must be administered on or after the student’s 16th birthday, within the past five (5) years, and at least ten (10) days prior to orientation week or the planned on-campus arrival date. This requirement also applies to students returning after a break in enrollment.
The Meningococcal B vaccine is not required; however, it is strongly recommended. It does not replace the MCV4 requirement. The Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccine is also strongly recommended.
COVID-19 Vaccination Expectations (2026–27)
There are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for the 2026–27 academic year.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Requirement
All students are expected to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine during the fall semester, prior to spring registration. Four on-campus flu vaccine clinics will be offered during September and October 2026. Students may only waive this requirement if they have an official State of Texas vaccine exemption or a physician's waiver letter on file with Student Health Services. Influenza vaccines are available at most pharmacies throughout Houston and are covered by many insurance plans. Student Health Services also offers flu vaccines for approximately $18. Students should retain documentation of their influenza vaccination and be prepared to provide proof upon request during Student Health Services' spring compliance audit. Please note that the influenza vaccine does not need to be documented on the Health Data Form, as it is a seasonal requirement that will become due later in the academic year.
Meningococcal Meningitis
IMPORTANT NOTE: All new students who are under 22 years of age on the first day of classes, regardless of classification, are required to provide documentation of the meningococcal MCV4 vaccination, in accordance with Texas state law.
Symptoms
Symptoms of meningococcal meningitis include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
Symptoms usually begin 2- 10 days after exposure, and may then develop rapidly over several hours to 1–2 days once they start appearing. Additional symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, confusion, or seizures.
New Students (Freshmen) and Meningitis
In the United States, it has been demonstrated that first-year students living in on-campus housing are at higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease compared to other students (approximately 5 cases per 100,000 students per year versus a baseline rate of approximately 1 case per 100,000 per year). Other at-risk groups include military recruits, travelers to areas where meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic, microbiologists routinely exposed to Neisseria meningitidis isolates, individuals with anatomic or functional asplenia, and those with terminal complement deficiencies.
Additional risk factors include:
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Smoking (active and passive)
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Recent upper respiratory illness
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Corticosteroid use
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New residence
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New school environment
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Household crowding
During outbreaks, recent alcohol use and bar patronage have also been associated with an increased risk of infection.
Vaccines are available for prevention. Menactra and Menveo provide protection against four of the five major serogroups of meningococcal disease (A, C, Y, and W-135). Serogroup B accounts for approximately one-third of cases, and vaccines such as Trumenba and Bexsero are also available and strongly recommended.