Meningococcal Vaccine
As of September 2016 all public and private school students entering 7th and 12th grade in New York State MUST be fully vaccinated against meningococcal disease in order to attend school. The meningococcal vaccine protects against serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as meningitis (an infection in the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and sepsis (blood infections). That is why the vaccine is sometimes called the “meningitis” vaccine. This vaccine is administered as an injection.
Before school begins in September 2024:
- One dose of the meningococcal vaccine is required before 7th grade. If your child had the first dose as a 6th 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 got their first dose when they were younger and now are 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 .
Our Health records indicate that your child is due to receive this vaccine before beginning the 2023/2024 school year. It is best to check with your Doctor to see whether your child needs the vaccine.
STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT UP-TO-DATE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND SCHOOL UNTIL THEY ARE PROPERLY VACCINATED .
Please call your child’s Doctor to be sure your child is vaccinated properly before school begins in September 2024 and be sure to get a copy of his/her immunization record to your school nurse.
Immunization records may be dropped off at the office or faxed.