From the Nurse's Desk

Immunization Update:

January 30, 2019

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.

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 2019-2020 school year.

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

1. One dose of meningococcal vaccine MCV4 is required for all students prior to entering 7th grade.

2. Two doses of meningococcal vaccine MCV4 are required for students prior to entering 12th 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 16th birthday, a second dose is not required.

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

As of the 2017-2018 school year, Tdap was added to the immunization requirements. Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory disease and immunity wears off over time. For all students attending a public or private school in the State of Maine:

1. One dose of Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is required for students prior to entering 7th grade.

Tdap and MCV immunization protects students, schools and communities.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the district nurses: Heather Gooley R.N or Natasha Mandigo R.N

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

Thank you.