It’s likely that you’ve heard of meningitis before – it occurs when the membranes around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. A number of sources can lead to this severe condition, such as bacterial, viral, and fungal causes. Regardless of cause, meningitis is a serious, possibly deadly disorder that can cause life-long complications and disabilities. Babies, especially newborns, live at the highest risk of meningitis, with adolescents and young adults coming in second.
With this second demographic in mind, Nevada’s State Board of Health has issued a new requirement for high school seniors: the meningitis vaccine, called MenACWY.
Vaccines for High School Seniors
According to this new requirement, any and every child entering the 12th grade in Nevada – whether they attend a charter, public, or private school – will have to receive their meningitis vaccine. For the majority of these students, this will be their second dose. The CDC recommendation advises a first dose between ages 11 and 12, with a booster dose at age 16.
This new requirement becomes effective as of June 30, 2022. Exceptions will be considered at a district level, as children with certain medical conditions are exempt.
If you would like to access immunization records, visit IZRecord.nv.gov or call 775-684-5954.
About Meningitis
According to the CDC, meningitis is a severe disorder that sees the swelling of the membranes around the spinal cord and brain. It can be caused by numerous sources, whether that is bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, amebic, and non-infectious. In the majority of cases, it is spread from person to person – which is why adolescents living in tight quarters (i.e., college dorms, military barracks, etc) are at a heightened risk.
Symptoms of this condition include fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea, confusion, vomiting, and photophobia. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms, as complications could be severe or even fatal. Seizures, coma, and death are all possible complications. When it comes to diagnosing meningitis, a blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample is needed to find the actual cause, as treatment varies for the different types of this condition. For example, antibiotics treat the bacterial form of this condition, whereas anti-fungals would be used for the fungal version. However, vaccination is the best way to prevent meningitis altogether.
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