The meningococcal (MenACWY) booster dose will be required for all 12th grade students beginning in the 2021-22 school year. Generally, students should have received the first dose of MenACWY vaccine prior to seventh grade, followed by a booster dose when the student turns 16 years of age.
For school the requirement is as follows:
- Grades 7 through 11: One dose
- Grade 12: Two doses
However, there are three special situations that deviate from the regular two-dose requirement for 12th graders.
- The student received the first dose of MenACWY after 16 years of age.
- Students who receive their first dose of MenACWY at or after age 16 are not required to receive a second dose. This is because students who receive only one dose at or after age 16 will likely be protected through the remainder of the high-risk time period.
- The student received two doses of MenACWY vaccine before 15 years 6 months of age.
- Students who received two doses of MenACWY before age 15 years 6 months (186 months) need to get a third dose to be in compliance with the school requirements. This is also in line with medically acceptable standards.
- Parents who are not wanting or unable to get an appropriately timed booster dose for their child may submit a non-medical exemption.
- The student is over 19 years of age.
- The MenACWY booster is not a routine recommendation for people older than age 19.