Scarsdale Teens And Tweens May Require Vaccine Updates

Before your child starts the school year, it’s always smart to ask his or her doctor if the vaccination requirements have changed. Not having the right vaccinations could result in your child missing valuable school days.

As of September 1, 2016, all public and private school students entering those grades in New York State must receive vaccines against meningococcal disease, types A, C, W and Y before they can attend school.

According to the New York State health department, the vaccine protects against serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and sepsis (blood infections). That's why the vaccine is sometimes called the meningitis vaccine.

The vaccine is administered as a shot. One dose is required before starting seventh grade. If your child has the first dose in sixth grade, they can wait until twelfth grade for the second dose. Two doses are required by twelfth grade. Most students entering their senior year got their first dose when they were younger. Some teens who got two doses before their 16th birthday may require a third booster shot, as the protection offered by the vaccine decreases over time.

Meningococcal disease is rare but can strike healthy young people without warning. Teens and young adults are at highest risk of getting the disease. Even with antibiotic treatment about 10 to 15 percent of people who get sick will die. Another 10 to 20 percent will survive but suffer lifelong disabilities such as hearing loss, loss of arms or legs, or brain damage.

The meningococcal vaccine is the best protection from this very serious disease. It is 85 to 100 percent effective.

Ask your health care provider about the vaccine.

For questions about the meningococcal vaccine requirement, please contact the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Immunization's School Assessment and Compliance Unit at 518-474-1944 or by email at OSAS@health.ny.gov