SHELBY, NC - October 11, 2019 - For the first time, high school seniors will be required to show proof of a meningococcal vaccine booster to attend 12th grade starting August 1, 2020. Therefore, all current high school juniors will need a meningococcal vaccine booster prior to the start of their senior year next school year.
These new requirements come as part of the new immunization rules that went into effect in July 2015 that required individuals entering the seventh grade or by 12 years of age, whichever comes first, on or after July 1, 2015 to receive a first dose of the meningococcal vaccine. A booster dose is required for individuals entering the 12th grade or by 17 years of age, whichever comes first. Individuals who entered seventh grade before July 1, 2015 are not required to receive the first dose. The booster dose does not apply to individuals who entered the 12th grade before August 1, 2020. If the first dose is administered on or after the 16th birthday, a booster dose is not required. Individuals born before January 1, 2003 are not required to receive meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
The Cleveland County Public Health Center offers the meningococcal vaccine and booster Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with no appointment necessary. Public health center staff encourage parents of students who will be entering the 12th grade next school year to begin making arrangements for their kids' meningococcal vaccine booster now. Students can go ahead and receive the meningococcal vaccine booster when they are 16 years of age. Alisa Leonard, Nursing Director, Cleveland County Public Health Center, shares, "If everyone waits until the summer before their senior year to get the meningococcal vaccine booster, it may be more difficult to get an appointment and it could put a strain on healthcare providers to maintain an adequate supply of the vaccine."
The meningococcal vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a serious infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis and other serious infections. Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria. It can lead to an infection of the bloodstream or meningitis, or both, and can be life-threatening if not quickly treated. The meningococcal conjugate vaccine is very effective at protecting against strains of the bacteria.
To learn more about meningitis and the meningococcal vaccine, please visit https://www.immunize.nc.gov/family/vaccines/meningococcal.htm. If you have questions about the requirements and whether your child is required to receive the meningococcal vaccine or booster, please contact your healthcare provider or the Cleveland County Public Health Center Immunization Clinic at 980-484-5100.
Submitted by DeShay Oliver