Meningitis Shots Required For All New Students 

Important Notice

If you have not registered for spring semester classes at Del Mar College because you have not been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis, which generated a “hold” on your admissions, we encourage you to register on campus Jan. 10-11 using the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Extension Form.

Since some students have not yet been able to comply with new state law requiring vaccination against bacterial meningitis, Del Mar College will extend the deadline for students to submit documentation of bacterial meningitis vaccination.  

Effective immediately, you may now register for spring semester classes by submitting the Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Extension Form, posted online here in PDF format.

This form is your commitment to be vaccinated and to submit all necessary documentation as soon as possible. Until this documentation is submitted, the College will need to place a “hold” on your records, not allow you to register for future semesters or take other admissions measures. 

Del Mar College is committed to providing a healthy environment for our students and is in compliance with new state regulations. We appreciate your commitment to assist us in this compliance. 

For more information about registration opportunities at DMC, contact the Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or email enroll@delmar.edu.  

Spring 2012 credit classes begin Tuesday, January 17.

Vaccination Form  

Vaccination Exemption Form  

Click here to learn more about Texas Senate Bill 1107.  

Meningitis FAQ  

Important facts about Bacterial Meningitis 

This information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast - so take utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that causes meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans each year, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities.

What are the symptoms? 

• High fever
• Rash or purple patches on skin
• Light sensitivity
• Confusion and sleepiness
• Lethargy
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Seizures

There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body.

The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed? 

• Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.  

How is the disease transmitted? 

• The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.
   

How do you increase your risk of getting bacterial meningitis? 

• Exposure to saliva by sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils, food, kissing, etc.
• Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).
   

What are the possible consequences of the disease? 

• Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead)
• Permanent brain damage
• Kidney failure
• Learning disability
• Hearing loss, blindness
• Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation
• Gangrene
• Coma
• Convulsions

Can the disease be treated? 

• Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However permanent disability or death can still occur.
• Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:
  
  • Those living in close quarters
  • College students 25 years old or younger
   
• Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).
• Vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years.
• The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.
• Vaccination is very safe - most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.
• Vaccination is available at your health care provider.
   

How can I find out more information? 

• Contact your own health care provider.
• Contact your local or regional Texas Department of Health office at 888-7762.
• Contact web sites: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo
  www.acha.org