Hepatitis B - Meningitis

NOTE: You may upload immunization documentation at https://umwa.memphis.edu/immunizations

Meningitis Immunization Requirement for New Students Living In Any University of Memphis Residence

The State of Tennessee requires all new students under the age of 22 who will be living in a University of Memphis residence to be immunized against meningococcal disease on or after their 16th birthday and provide proof of receiving this immunization before moving into their residence. Meningococcal immunizations may be submitted on the Certificate of Immunization Form. If this documentation is not provided before move-in day, students may not be able to move into their residence.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection, expressed as either meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) or meningococcemia (bacteria in the blood). Meningococcal disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year and is responsible for about 300 deaths annually. The disease is spread by airborne transmission, primarily by coughing. The disease can onset very quickly and without warning. Rapid intervention and treatment is required to avoid serious illness and/or death. There are five (5) different subtypes (called serogroups) of the bacterium that causes Meningococcal Meningitis. The current vaccine does not stimulate protective antibodies to Serogroups B, but it does protect against the most common strains of the disease, including Serogroups A, C, W, and W-135. The duration of protection is approximately three to five years. The vaccine is very safe and adverse reactions are mild and infrequent, consisting primarily of redness and pain at the site of the injection lasting up to two days.

Hepatitis B – Meningitis Immunization Health History Form.

The State of Tennessee mandates that The University of Memphis provide information concerning the Hepatitis B infection to all students entering The University of Memphis for the first time.  The law does not require that you receive the Hepatitis B immunization for enrollment.  The Meningitis vaccine is not required but is strongly recommended for students living off-campus.  Student Health Center urges students to be immunized.

Students must complete the Hepatitis B - Meningitis Immunization Health History Form before they can register.  This form is embedded in the registration process.  Please note that you must meet with your academic advisor before beginning the registration process.  If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your completed form.

Instructions for locating and completing the form:

1. Begin your course registration process.
2. The form will display if the student is 18 years of age or older. The student must read the information provided, answer both questions, and then click on the Submit button. Once the questions are answered and submitted, the student will begin their course selection.
3. If the student is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign the Hepatitis B - Meningitis Immunization Health History Form and then return the completed form to Student Health Center.  Hint: The free Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print the above form.
   
   Completed forms may be mailed to: Student Health Center, 200 Hudson Health Center, Memphis , TN 38152 or faxed to 901.678.3124 or 901.678.1359 .

Note: A hold is automatically set to prevent a student's registration until the process is completed. Once completed, the hold automatically removes and the student is clear to register. There is no need to contact Health Services to remove the hold.

Many insurance plans cover the cost of the immunizations. Please contact your medical insurance carrier to determine if the immunizations are covered under your plan.