As parents prepare to send their children back to school this fall, health and school officials are reminding them to add vaccines to their list of things to do.
This year, a new state law requires all incoming seventh-graders to have one dose of a meningococcal vaccine and all incoming high school seniors to have a second dose of the vaccine.
“This is a vaccine that has been used for a number of years. It had typically been recommended for incoming college freshmen, particularly those living in dorms,” said Dr. Marguerite Erme, medical director of Summit County Public Health. “The peak ages for the disease are under age 2 and those in the 15- to 24-age range.”
The National Immunization Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that only about three-quarters of Ohio’s children have received the vaccine, leaving thousands of children at risk for the potentially deadly disease. Ohio allows parents who object to vaccines to opt out.
This week, representatives from the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Ohio Department of Health gathered at the statehouse in Columbus to tell parents about the importance of making sure their children are immunized before going back to school.
“Even with antibiotic treatment, 10 to 15 percent of individuals infected with meningococcal disease will die,” said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director at the Ohio Department of Health. “And as many as 20 percent will have long-term disabilities such as loss of limbs, deafness, nervous system problems or brain damage.”
Initial symptoms of the disease look like those of a cold or the flu. But the disease can turn deadly within 24 hours. The bacterial infection spreads through the bloodstream and causes inflammation of the meninges, the protective coating covering the brain and spinal cord.
The Ohio law that mandates the preventive vaccine was introduced in 2015 by state Sen. Cliff Hite, R-Findlay, who lost his niece to meningitis. Lawmakers added the vaccine to the list of required immunizations last year.
The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has launched a new mobile app, Fast VAX Facts, as a resource for parents. The free app, which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, includes the immunization schedule, answers to frequently asked questions, notifications about outbreaks and breaking immunization-related news. It also has features for health care providers.
“Unfortunately meningitis is a disease that has no warning. It’s like a lightning strike. It just seems to hit,” Erme said. “If parents have questions or concerns, they should talk to their physician, who can answer any questions they have.”
Most school districts, including Akron Public Schools, have a 14-day grace period for parents to have their children immunized after classes begin.
Summit County Public Health (www.scphoh.org) clinics offer immunizations by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 330-375-2772.
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com. She can be followed at www.twitter.com/ColetteMJenkins.