Meningitis FAQs

Meningococcal disease is an illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria Meningitidis which causes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges) resulting in meningitis. This bacteria is not as contagious as the common cold or influenza, but can spread quickly by simply breathing the same air where an infected person has been. College freshman, especially those living in crowded residence halls, have shown a higher rate of infection.

• All students entering, advancing, or transferring into seventh grade and born after Sept. 15, 2004, will need proof of one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY).
• All students entering, advancing, or transferring into 12th grade and born after Sept. 15, 1999, will need proof of two doses of meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY)— one booster dose received on or after 16 years of age; or one dose if received when the student was 16 years of age or older.

It is essential to provide documentation to your school nurse’s office as soon as the vaccine requirement has been met. There will be no grace/extension period for the implementation of these requirements.

• All incoming seventh-grade students must provide documentation of receiving the meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) OR an Iowa Certificate of Immunization Exemption before the first day of school or they will be excluded from attending school. 
• Incoming 12th-grade students who have not received any doses of the required vaccine must provide documentation of receiving the meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) OR an Iowa Certificate of Immunization Exemption before the first day of school or they will be excluded from attending school.
• Incoming 12th-grade students who have received at least one dose of the required vaccine between ages 10 and 16 must receive the booster, or second dose, of the required vaccine prior to the expiration of the Provisional Certificate of Immunization. Students who do not receive the vaccine booster OR provide an Iowa Certificate of Immunization Exemption by this date will be excluded from school.

Please contact your health care provider as soon as possible to complete this requirement mandated by the State of Iowa. Immunizations are also available by appointment at the Polk County Health Department, 1907 Carpenter Ave., Des Moines. Please call 515-286-3798 to make an appointment.