Revised Immunization Requirements Notice

Post date: Apr 17, 2018 4:58:55 PM

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education have revised the Maine School Immunization Requirements rule to now include meningococcal meningitis disease. These changes further align Maine’s immunization rules with current national recommendations to better protect the health of all Maine people. Meningococcal disease is a rare, but dangerous disease that strikes healthy young people without warning. It can affect all ages, but teens and young adults are at highest risk of getting the disease.

The following changes are effective for the 2018-2019 school year for all students attending a public or private school in the State of Maine:

• One dose of meningococcal vaccine MCV4 (serogroups A, C, W, and Y) is required for all students entering 7^th grade.
• Two doses of meningococcal vaccine MCV4 are required for students entering 12^th grade, with a minimum interval of 8 weeks between dose one and dose two. If the first dose of meningococcal vaccine was administered on or after the 16^th birthday, a second dose is not required.

We are providing you with this information now so that you have ample time to schedule an appointment prior to the first day of the 2018-2019 school year.

Attached please find the Frequently Asked Questions for more information on this new school immunization requirement.

If you have any questions, please contact Hancock Grammar School, Michelle Dupuis, RN @ 422-6231 ext 4.

For further questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or (800) 867-4775 or by email at ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.

Thank you.

Michelle Dupuis, RN

Hancock Grammar School