Required Immunizations
A student whose immunizations are incomplete may be admitted conditionally, if the student provides documentary proof at the time of enrollment of having received at least one dose of the required immunization(s) accompanied by a schedule for completion of the remaining required dosage(s). At the time of enrollment, ALL immunizations must be as current and as up-to-date as possible. Enrollment and attendance can be delayed if compliance with immunization requirements is not met. Questions and the need for further clarification of immunization requirements may be directed to the school nurse at your school or to the Health Services Office at 757.263.2025.
Recommended Immunizations
Meningococcal Meningitis ImmunizationsMeningococcal disease is a rare, but potentially fatal, bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, a severe swelling of the brain and spinal cord or meningococcemia, a severe blood infection. Meningococcal disease is spread through air droplets and by direct contact with an infected person. Early symptoms may resemble the flu, making diagnosis difficult. The disease can progress very quickly, killing an otherwise healthy young person in 48 hours or less. More than 50 percent of meningococcal disease in the U. S. occurs in persons 11 years of age or older.
Ten to 14 percent of cases are fatal; however, among adolescents it can be as high as 22 percent. One in five of those who survive the disease will suffer a permanent disability that could include brain damage, limb amputations, or hearing loss. However, up to 83 percent of meningococcal infections among the ages of 15 and 24 are potentially vaccine-preventable.
In February 2005, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued new recommendations stating that children at pre-adolescence (11- to 12-year olds), adolescents entering high schools, and college freshmen living in dormitories should be immunized against meningococcal disease. In addition, ACIP’s recommendations state that all other adolescents who wish to decrease their risk of meningococcal disease may elect to receive the vaccine.
For more information about meningococcal disease and immunization, visit the following Web sites:
www.meningococcaldisease.com
www.nmaus.org
www.sanofipasteur.us