INFORMATION ABOUT BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Effective January 1, 2012, pursuant to the Jamie Schanbaum and Nicole Williams Act (Texas Education Code 51.9192) all entering students are required to submit proof of vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis. Evidence of the vaccination may be no older than 5 calendar years from the initial date of enrollment. Students who are not enrolled for one fall or spring semester may be required to resubmit proof of vaccination.

Exemptions

• Students 22 years of age or older.

• Students taking online courses only.

• Dual credit students unless the course is taught on the Galveston College campus.

• Students who have a signed affidavit from the physician stating the vaccination is injurious to the health of the student.

• Students with a signed affidavit declining the vaccination for reasons of conscience.

Acceptaple Proof Of Vaccination

Acceptable proof of vaccination against meningitis must include the following:

• Name of facility administering vaccination.

• Name and signature of doctor/medical personnel administering vaccination.

• Name of vaccine administered to student Date of vaccine administration. Students with questions concerning Bacterial Meningitis should contact the Admissions and Records Office at 409-944-1230

WHAT IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS?

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

Severe headache

Vomiting

Stiff neck

Nausea

Lethargy 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 BACTERIAL MENINGITIS IS DIAGNOSIS?

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 CONSEQUESNCES OF THE DISEASE?

Death (in 8 to 24 hours)

Limb damage that requires amputation (fingers, toes, arms, legs)

Permanent brain damage

Convulsions

Kidney failure Gangrene

Learning disability Coma

Hearing loss, blindness

HOW IS THE DISEASE 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 and college students 22 years old or younger.

• Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacteria types that cause 70% of the disease in the United States. Vaccinations do not protect against all types of meningitis. Note - vaccinations take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasing 3-5 years.

• The cost of the vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider. Vaccination is very safe - the most common side effects are redness and minor pain at the injection site for up to two days. Vaccinations are available at your doctor's office, local clinics, and most pharmacies.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?

• Contact your own health care provider.

• Visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.

• Visit the American College Health Association website at www.acha.org.

• Contact the Texas Department of Health at 888-963-7111 or visit www.dshs.state.tx.us.

Student Insurance

The College is not responsible for medical expenses incurred by students while on the campus or at college sponsored activities. College student health insurance is available for purchase through private companies. There are various island agencies who offer medical attention and insurance to Galveston College students. Please visit the Advising and Counseling Center for more information.

In an effort to address the health insurance needs of our students, Galveston College has assembled a list of helpful resource links to assist our students in their search for affordable healthcare. According to college policy, students enrolled in Galveston College classes that meet on campus or who live in campus housing are required to carry health insurance for themselves during their time of attendance.

Although the college is not responsible for any medical expenses incurred by students while on campus or at college-sponsored activities, we are providing contacts to assist students with purchasing health insurance through private insurance companies. We highly advise students to carefully study the specific terms of any healthcare policy before purchasing coverage.

Three ways U. S. residents may search for affordable insurance are as follows:

• US Affordable Care Act: https://www.healthcare.gov

• Texas Student Health Insurance: https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/texas-health-insurance/ health-plans/student

• Search the internet for “student health insurance” or search by insurance company (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, United Health Care, or one with which you are already familiar) to see what options you have for student health care coverage

BlueCross/Blue Shield: https://www.bcbs.com

Aetna: https://www.aetna.com

United Health Care: https://www.uhc.com

International students who will be certified by Galveston College for an F or J visa during their studies at the college must have a health insurance policy that meets minimum standards. See International Student Health Insurance for more detailed information and links.

International Student Health Insurance

Students enrolled in on-campus courses are required to carry health insurance for themselves and for their immediate families during their time of study at Galveston College and must provide proof of coverage before arriving on campus. (Though U.S. immigration law does not require F-1 visa students to carry health insurance, Galveston College’s requirement supersedes the F-1 regulations.)

J-1 visa professors/researchers/students are required to have health insurance meeting minimum standards as listed in the table below.

To explore health insurance options, consider the following:

• Search online for “International Student Insurance in U.S.” or “Student Health Insurance in U.S.”

• International Student Insurance: www.internationalstudentinsurance.com

• ISOA (1-800-224-1180) or www.isoa.org

• Edusure (1-800-338-3924) or https://edusure.com/

NOTE: For U.S.-based insurance organizations, international students should identify themselves as “international” to view appropriate health coverage.

A.M. Best, rating of “A-” or above

Insurance Solvency International, Ltd., rating of “A-” or above Standard and Poor’s, rating of “A-” or above Weiss Research, Inc., rating of “B+” or above

Questions? Please contact Admissions at admissions@gc.edu

Paying For College

TUITION AND FEES

Minimum tuition for Residents of Texas is $300

Minimum tuition for Non-Residents of Texas is $792 Tuition per credit hour for Residents of Texas is $50

Tuition per credit hour for Non-Residents of Texas is $132

Tuition and Fee Changes: Changes in become effective as authorized by the Board of Regents. Semester tuition and fees may occur after the publication date. These changes are recommended when necessary by Administration.

HOW TO PAY?

1. FACTS Payment Plan (available to students for the fall and spring semesters).

2. Cash/Check/Credit Card -accepted for payment online via your Whitecaps Portal under Self Service Student Financials Info or in the Business Office.

3. Financial Aid - see information below on exemptions, financial aid and scholarships.