No shot, No School Information
Incoming 7th and 12th grade students without a meningitis vaccine or a state waiver won’t be able to start school in the fall. It’s a new state requirement.
The change requires:
- Students entering 7th grade (if born after September 15, 2004) – 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine received on or after age of 10 – a booster dose will be needed at age 16.
- Students entering 12th grade (if born after September 15, 1999) – 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine at 16 years of age or older.
A 60 day grace period will be given to students who have had at least one meningococcal dose in their lifetime.
NOTE: Contrary to recent news reports the meningococcal vaccine is NOT found in the Tdap vaccine. It is a separate vaccine that will be needed before students will be allowed to attend class in the fall.
Meningococcal disease is very serious. Approximately 10-15% of people with meningococcal disease die even with appropriate treatment. Of those who recover, up to 20% suffer from serious after-effects, such as permanent hearing loss, limb loss, or brain damage. Meningococcal vaccines are very safe and are 85-100% effective at preventing infection.
The meningococcal vaccine requirement will help keep students, friends, families and communities safe.