Is meningitis vaccine required in Illinois?

Bacterial Meningitis vaccine - On-campus students under the age of 22 are required to have received a vaccine against Meningitis ACYW (after their 16th birthday). Also, though not currently State law, Student Health Services also wants students to be aware of the vaccine against meningitis-B, a rare but deadly disease.

Is meningitis vaccine required for school in Illinois?

— Students entering sixth to 11th grade must receive one dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine on or after their 11th birthday.

When did meningitis vaccine become mandatory?

About the Vaccine:

It's been recommended for a decade. Most parents already choose to vaccinate their children. The meningococcal vaccine has been required for school entry since Sept. 1, 2016.

Is meningitis vaccine required?

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. In certain situations, CDC also recommends other children and adults get meningococcal vaccines. Below is more information about which meningococcal vaccines, including booster shots, CDC recommends for people by age.

Can I refuse the meningitis vaccine?

Students may begin classes without a certificate of immunization against meningococcal disease if: 1) the student has a letter from a physician stating that there is a medical reason why he/she can't receive the vaccine; 2) the student (or the student's parent or legal guardian, if the student is a minor) presents a ...

Illinois State University Immunization Requirements

How common is meningitis?

Is meningitis common? About 3,000 people in the United States — or one in 100,000 — are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis each year, most of them infants, children, college students, and the elderly. Incidences of bacterial meningitis usually peak in the winter or early spring.

How likely are you to get meningitis if you are vaccinated?

Like with any vaccine, these vaccines do not work 100% of the time. The vaccines also do not protect against infections from all the types (strains) of each of these bacteria. For these reasons, there is still a chance vaccinated people can develop bacterial meningitis.

Do kids really need meningitis vaccine?

It is recommended for all kids and teens age 11 and older. Some types of MenACWY are given to younger children (as early as 8 weeks of age) if they have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. The meningococcal B vaccine (MenB) protects against a fifth type of meningococcal bacterium (called type B).

Does CDC recommend meningitis vaccine?

CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. All 11 to 12 year olds should receive a single dose of a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine. Since protection decreases over time, CDC recommends a booster dose at age 16 years.

Who is most at risk for bacterial meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is more common in infants under 1 year of age and people ages 16 to 21. College students living in dorms or other close quarters are at increased risk. Also at risk are adults with certain medical problems, including those without a spleen.

Is the meningitis vaccine optional?

CDC recommends routine MenACWY vaccination for: All preteens and teens at 11 to 12 years old with a booster dose at 16 years old. Children and adults at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

Is meningitis a lifetime vaccine?

Vaccines to protect against bacterial meningitis are safe and effective. Common side effects include redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops about 1-2 weeks after the vaccines are given and lasts for 5 years to life depending on the vaccine.

Can a child still get meningitis if vaccinated?

The vaccine protects against most (about three quarters) but not all the strains. The vaccine reduces your baby's chance of getting the infection. But there is still a small chance they could get it, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

What vaccines are required for school in Illinois?

Do college students get meningitis vaccine?

Who should get the meningococcal vaccines? The MenACWY vaccine is recommended for college freshman living in a dormitory.

What if I refuse to vaccinate my child?

Children who are not vaccinated can transmit vaccine- preventable diseases at schools and in the community. Unvaccinated children can infect babies who are too young to be fully immunized. Unvaccinated children can infect people of any age who can't be immunized for medical reasons.

Are Americans vaccinated for meningitis?

The CDC recommends a meningococcal vaccine for: All children ages 11-18 or certain younger high-risk children (MenB is recommended for people ages 16-18 who are not high risk.) Anyone who has been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak.

What if I am not sure if I got the meningitis vaccine?

If you have not had the vaccination, or if you are unsure, speak to your GP. No vaccine protects against all types of meningitis, so it is important to remain vigilant and aware of the symptoms.

How long is meningitis vaccine good for?

Other groups that should receive it include any infants or adults who might be at elevated risk for exposure to the bacteria, and/or those traveling to certain areas. This vaccine lasts for around five years, after which you will need a booster shot to keep up your immunity.

What are the long term side effects of the meningitis vaccine?

Some patients may experience more serious complications after receiving a meningococcal vaccine. Occasionally, recipients develop Guillain-Barré syndrome, leading to neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness and tingling or numbing.

What is the most common cause of meningitis in vaccinated children?

Key points about meningitis in children

It is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid. A fungus or parasite may also cause meningitis. Meningitis caused by a virus is more common and usually less severe.

Why do college students need meningitis vaccine?

It's important to get the meningococcal meningitis vaccine because the infection can be severely debilitating and even fatal.

What are the 5 causes of meningitis?

Meningitis can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Most infections can be transmitted from person to person. Injuries, cancers and drugs cause a small number of cases. Bacterial meningitis is the most common dangerous type of meningitis and can be fatal within 24 hours.

What is the death rate for meningitis without vaccine?

Bacterial meningitis is often more severe than aseptic meningitis, particularly in infants and the elderly. Before antibiotics were widely used, 70 percent or more of bacterial meningitis cases were fatal; with antibiotic treatment, the fatality rate has dropped to 15 percent or less.

Can you survive meningitis without treatment?

Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza. Antibiotics do not help viral infections, so they are not useful in the treatment of viral meningitis.