Parents: All kids entering 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 12th grades must have the
meningococcal vaccine. Without it, they can’t start school.
About the Vaccine:
- It’s not a new vaccine. It’s been recommended for a decade.
- Most parents already choose to vaccinate their children.
- The meningococcal vaccine has been required for school entry since Sept. 1, 2016.
About Meningococcal Disease:
- It causes bacterial meningitis and other serious diseases.
- Teens and young adults are at greater risk.
- It comes on quickly and without warning.
- Its symptoms are similar to the flu.
- Every case of this disease can result in death or long-term disability.
Check with your doctor. Even kids who have had a shot before may need a booster to start school.
To learn more, visit health.ny.gov/immunize.
