New requirement for immunizations in New York
All students entering 7th and 12th grades must have the Meningococcal vaccine.
Students who are not up-to-date by September 1, 2016 will not be allowed to attend school until they are vaccinated.
Meningococcal disease is a bacterial illness and the leading cause of bacterial Meningitis in children from 2-21 years of age. It is an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It also causes blood infections. Even when a person is treated with antibiotics, he or she may still be affected for life or die. This is why preventing the disease through vaccination is important. The vaccine can prevent four types of Meningitis, including the two most common types in the United States.
One dose of meningococcal vaccine is required before 7th grade. If your child had the first dose as a sixth grader, then another dose is not required until 12th grade.
- A total of two doses will be required before 12th grade. Most students entering 12th grade received their first dose when they were younger and are now due for their second dose, or booster. This booster is needed because protection from the vaccine decreases over time.
- The only teens who will not need a second dose before 12th grade are those who got their first dose on or after their 16th birthday.
Please check with your doctor to see whether or not your child needs the vaccine. The school-based health clinic is available to administer vaccinations. Call 561-7795 to schedule an appointment.
Posted: Wednesday, May 4, 2016