In May 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS 144.01) announced updates to the immunization requirements for children in childcare centers and schools, to go into effect this 2024-2025 school year.
One of the key changes made was to now include Meningococcal Vaccine in the required list of school vaccinations. Students entering 7th grade must now receive the MenACWY vaccine (Not Men. B), and eligible students entering 12th grade need a booster dose. You can review the changes here.
It's important to understand that the Meningococcal Vaccine is not a new vaccine. It's been recommended for this age group for a decade. What's new is that the vaccine will now be required for school entry. You can learn more about Meningococcal Disease and Immunization at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/meningvaccines.htm.
If you are unsure whether your student meets this new requirement, please contact your medical provider or clinic. If you do not wish to have your child immunized, you must sign a new waiver, available here.
Due to this being a new requirement, any student 7th grade or older, who does not currently have a dose of the required Meningococcal Vaccine, or a signed waiver, will be designated as "non-compliant" with state law.
Please reach out to Nurse Brittany with any questions at bniemeyer@weston.k12.wi.us