BEAUMONT – All new and transferring students younger than 30 who plan to attend Lamar Institute of Technology in the Spring 2012 semester must be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.

Those students must have proof that they were vaccinated at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester on Jan. 17, 2012. In the last legislative session, the Texas Legislature implemented the Jamie Schanbaum and Nicolis Williams Act, mandating the vaccination.

 Students may receive the vaccination from their personal physicians and most health clinics. The City of Beaumont Health Department is currently out of the vaccination, and will not have more until the end of January.

 Students who are not able to receive the vaccination for medical reasons may have an affidavit signed by their doctors. Those who object to the vaccine for reasons of conscience may apply for an affidavit at http://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm/.

 Students who do not have the vaccine by Jan. 7, 2012, will not be allowed to begin the Spring 2012 semester on Jan. 17.

 For more information, contact Student Services at (409) 880-8321 or check out the LIT Web site at www.lit.edu/. # # #