As the school year winds down, parents are reminded of the immunization requirements for incoming 7th grade students for the meningococcal vaccine. The Iowa Department of Education requires students entering seventh grade to have one dose of the meningococcal vaccine before school begins in the fall, per Iowa Code. 

Meningococcal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is a serious disease that can be deadly in hours. It can include meningitis and bloodstream infections caused by bacteria. It can result in infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that causes swelling or the bloodstream infection can cause bleeding in the skin and organs. The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens and is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease. 

According to a release from Washington Community School District, students who have not received the vaccine will be excluded from school until the vaccine or an exemption has been completed.

Image source: Centers for Disease Control