April 01, 2021
Dear 6th grade parents,
The state of Ohio requires all students entering the 7th grade to have the meningococcal vaccine (also known as MCV4, Menevo or Menactra) in addition to one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
Meningococcal meningitis
Meningococcal meningitis is a rare but serious disease that develops rapidly and can claim a life in as little as one day. Of those who survive, approximately one in five are left with serious medical problems like amputation, deafness, and brain damage. Teens are at increased risk of meningococcal meningitis. This increased risk may be due to activities like sharing utensils and kissing.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over your body; diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat and can also lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death; pertussis causes coughing spells and can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death, particularly in infants.
Vaccination is the best way to protect someone from getting the disease.
You may obtain these vaccines from your child’s health care provider or other community resource. A HEALTH HEROES vaccination clinic will be offered at your child’s school on May 17th (more information will be sent home at a later date).
Students who do not provide documentation of these immunizations to the school this fall are subject to exclusion. If there are medical/religious or philosophical reasons your child cannot receive immunizations, please contact the school clinic for an Immunization Exemption Form.
Thank you,
Janene Fitzpatrick BSN RN LSN
District RN Supervisor for Warren City Schools
Akron Children’s Hospital, School Health Services
Attached CDC “2021 Recommended Immunizations for Children from 7 Through 18 Years Old”
