Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
This is to inform you that beginning next school year (Fall 2015) all students entering the sixth and twelfth grades will be required to show proof of recent meningococcal conjugate vaccination (MCV). All sixth graders will need to show proof of receiving ONE dose received on or after 11 years of age. All twelfth graders will need to show proof of receiving TWO doses unless the first dose was administered after 16 years of age. In this case, only one dose after 16 years of age is required. This vaccination will prevent your student from a severe form of bacterial meningitis as well as other illnesses caused by this bacterium.
Some students may have already received this vaccine since it has been recommended for various populations in the recent past. In this case, all you would need to do is provide the school verification of receiving the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
In addition to your health care provider, many local health departments and pharmacies offer the vaccine. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that parents get their adolescent vaccinated now to avoid last-minute rush during the summer. Students without adequate proof of vaccination will be subject to exclusion as described in the school code of Illinois.
For more information visit: ISBE's School Health Issues or click here.
Some students may have already received this vaccine since it has been recommended for various populations in the recent past. In this case, all you would need to do is provide the school verification of receiving the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
In addition to your health care provider, many local health departments and pharmacies offer the vaccine. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that parents get their adolescent vaccinated now to avoid last-minute rush during the summer. Students without adequate proof of vaccination will be subject to exclusion as described in the school code of Illinois.
For more information visit: ISBE's School Health Issues or click here.