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Meningococcal Vaccine Required for Incoming Seniors

Posted on: March 17, 2023
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Dear Parents and upcoming Seniors of the Class of 2024,

All Students entering grades 7 and 12 will be required to be vaccinated against the meningococcal disease (MCV4 or Menactra). One dose of meningococcal vaccine is required prior to entry into the 7th grade and second dose of meningococcal vaccine is required prior to entry into the 12th grade. The second dose must be administered on or after the 16th birthday, with at least 8 weeks between the first and second dose. If the first dose of meningococcal was administered after the 16th birthday, a second dose is not required. If a pupil is in the 12th grade and is 15 years of age or younger, only one dose is required.

A written verification, in the form of a note, fax or email, is required from your family physician or the Hamilton County Health Department. Members of the senior class who have not provided proper verification of a second dose of meningococcal vaccine may be excluded from school and subject to disciplinary measures for non-attendance.

Thank you for your proactive approach in addressing this issue. Seniors are required to show written proof of the vaccination no later than September 5, 2023. Failure to do so may result in being excluded for all classes and all school activities. Our hope is to keep our students and parents informed well in advanced of areas of concern. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Hamilton County Health Department (513-946-7882) or Harrison High School (513-367-4169).

Please schedule an appointment with your child’s primary care provider to receive these vaccines prior to the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. If your child does not have health insurance, if their health insurance does not cover childhood vaccines, or if your child has Medicaid, you may receive these vaccines at little or no cost to you at Hamilton County Public Health. Please call Director of Nursing, Christa Easton, with questions or to schedule an appointment: 513-946-7882. You can also contact the Mercy Health Clinic at Harrison High School by calling 513-853-8540.