AIDS HIV and Hepatitis B Infection Policies and Immunizations
UT Permian Basin recognizes its responsibility to protect the rights and privileges of students, employees, patients, and the general public against the contact with the spread of infectious diseases. In recognition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B (HBV) as serious health threats, UT Permian Basin has adopted a policy and procedural steps to protect both the rights and well-being of those students who may be infected with HIV or HBV as well as to prevent the spread of infection. No individual with HIV or HBV infection will be discriminated against in employment, admission to academic programs, health benefits, or access to facilities. Students with HIV or HBV infection may attend all classes without restriction, as long as they are physically and mentally able to participate and perform assigned work and pose no health risks to others.
All information regarding the medical status of UT Permian Basin faculty, staff, and students is confidential. A complete copy of the "AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B Infection" policy can be found in the institutional Handbook of Operating Procedures. This policy is applicable to all students of UT Permian Basin as they pursue their academic (and clinical) endeavors. Brochures with information about AIDS/HIV will be made available to all students on request. Counseling Center. Student can call the Student Counseling Center at: (432) 552-3365 or stop by MB 4162.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
The Hepatitis B Vaccination requirement applies only to students enrolled in a course of study that involves potential exposure to human or animal blood or bodily fluid.
Bacterial Meningitis Information
Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast, so utmost caution is required. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause 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. Bacterial Meningitis 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. Symptoms include high fever, rash or purple patches on the skin, light sensitivity, confusion and sleepiness, lethargy, severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck, nausea, and seizures. The more symptoms present, the higher the risk. When these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention. There is treatment, but those who survive may develop severe health problems or disabilities. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery. For more information, contact your own health care provider, the campus medical services provider, or local Texas Department of Health. Information web sites: www.cdc.gov, www.acha.org. UT Permian Basin regularly informs students about this information by posting information on-line via our student registration system and posting on the back of our registration cards.
Bacterial Meningitis Information (New Students)
All new students and those who are returning after a one semester absence and under the age of 22 years of age or younger will be required to show evidence that they have received the bacterial meningitis vaccination or eligible for an exemption prior to enrolling. The vaccination dose or booster must have been received during the five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of class or prior to moving into on-campus housing (whichever is applicable). Students taking online courses only (no on-campus based courses) are not required to have the vaccination. Send evidence of the vaccination or qualified exemption to UT Permian Basin Admissions, 4901 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79762. For more information about the immunization requirements and exclusions, please refer to the Texas Department of Health Services, Immunization Branch (MC 1946), PO Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347. A student can opt-out of the immunization requirement by providing an affidavit signed by the applicant or, if a minor, by the applicant's parent or guardian stating that the applicant declines immunization for reasons of conscience.
Immunizations
Institutions of higher education may require persons applying for admission to be immunized against diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, measles, mumps, tetanus, and poliomyelitis. The Texas Board of Health may require immunizations against these and additional diseases for registrants at any institution of higher education who are pursuing a course of study in any of the human or animal health professions, and the board may require such immunizations for any registrants in times of an emergency or epidemic in a county where such an emergency or epidemic has been declared by the Commissioner of Health. (Education Code 51.933(b-1))
On Campus Student Immunization and Background Check Requirement
The State requires students, who reside in on-campus housing to provide a certificate signed by a health practitioner evidencing that the student has been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis at least 10 days prior to the student taking up residence in on-campus housing. The University is entitled to check the criminal history record for all students applying for on-campus housing. The University will notify students if this information is used to deny them housing.