Nevada students entering the 12th grade in 2022 will be required to have an additional vaccine in their record before school begins, according to a Nevada Department of Health and Human Services news release.
Effective July 1, 2022, students enrolled in the 12th grade throughout Nevada will be required to receive the meningococcal vaccine prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year. The MenACWY vaccine is an immunization against meningitis.
The requirement, approved by the State Board of Health as a state regulation, is for all public, private, and charter schools in Nevada. For most students this means a booster dose as they likely received a first dose of MenACWY at ages 11-12.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends a single dose of MenACWY at ages 11-12 followed by a booster dose administered at 16 years of age.
"The health and safety of all Nevada students is our top priority,” said Kristy Zigenis, program manager for the Nevada State Immunization Program. “The MenACWY vaccine will help keep our students safe. We also remind all parents to review the vaccination schedule for children and speak to a trusted health care provider if you have any questions about the recommendations.”
The requirement goes into effect after June 30, 2022, and while all incoming 12th graders must receive the vaccine, students with appropriate medical conditions may receive temporary or permanent medical exemptions if authorized by their physicians. Exemptions are administered at the school district level, according to the release.
The vaccine is proven to be effective in protection against meningococcal disease, including infection of the bloodstream and the lining of the brain and spinal cord. MenACWY is not a live vaccine and cannot cause infection.
Vaccines are available through primary care providers, pharmacies, health districts and federally-qualified health centers throughout Nevada. For information or to find a vaccine clinic go to immunizenevada.org.
Immunization records can be accessed through the Nevada WebIZ public portal at IZRecord.nv.gov. The Nevada WebIZ Helpdesk can also provide assistance at 775-684-5954.
