Meningococcal Vaccine for School 2016-2017

This fall, vaccination with meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) will be required for kids entering grades seven and twelve in New York State. Meningococcal disease can kill its host within just a few hours. What feels like a cold in the morning can leave a child fighting for his life by dinner time. As the infection progresses, tiny blood vessels are damaged and children who survive their infections may suffer permanent organ damage and loss of fingers, toes, arms or legs. An infection in the brain can result in seizures, permanent neurological deficits and hearing loss.

MenACWY Administration

Meningococcal infections are rare but because of their severity, every possible measure should be taken to prevent them. Requiring the vaccine for school will save lives. No child should have to experience meningococcemia (infection in the blood) or meningococcal meningitis (infection in the spinal fluid) and no family should lose a child to a disease that can be prevented by a vaccine. Click here for NY State Vaccines Required for School. Healthcare providers, click here for a one-page summary of MenACWY vaccination recommendations for 7th and 12th graders who may or may not have been previously vaccinated.

Extensive Meningococcal Rash