Parents of middle school and high school students need to be aware of an additional immunization requirement beginning in the 2016-17 school year. Students entering 7th grade in the fall must have an initial dose of the meningococcal vaccine. Students entering the 12th grade must have a booster shot of that same vaccine, or if they have not already received the initial dose they must receive that.
Ohio’s lawmakers added meningococcal vaccine to the school immunization requirements for a simple reason—it helps prevent bacterial meningitis and young people between 11 and 18 are an at-risk group for this serious disease. Meningitis kills 15% of those who contact it, sometimes within hours. More than half of those who survive have lifelong complications including loss of limbs or hearing. Fortunately, meningitis is rare. But, its effects are so devastating that our public policymakers have acted to protect Ohio schoolchildren.
Ohio law requires students to have all required vaccines within 14 days of the start of the school year. Starting on day 15, the student will not be allowed to come to school until parents supply an immunization record or an exemption form.
It’s not too soon to make an appointment to have your child’s required vaccinations for next school year.