Immunizations
Immunization Requirements for School Entry
New Entrant Definition:
New entrants are any students who are new to the school district, including preschoolers and all students coming in from Connecticut private, parochial and charter schools located in the same or another community. All students entering kindergarten, including those moving from any public or private preschool program, even in the same school district, are considered new entrants. The one exception is students returning from private approved special education placements – they are not considered new entrants.
Meningococcal Disease Information
Meningitis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that can strike teenagers and college students. The disease can come on quickly and may cause death or permanent disability within hours of the first symptoms; although rare the disease may be prevented through vaccination.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal immunization for all adolescents 11-18 years of age.
Teenagers and college students have an increased rate of meningococcal infection compared to the general population, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all U.S. cases annually. Of those who survive, up to 20 percent suffer long-term disabilities, including brain damage, loss of hearing, organ failure and limb amputations.
Meningococcal disease can be misdiagnosed as something less serious, because early symptoms are similar to those of influenza or other common viral illnesses, including high fever, headache, nausea and stiff neck. That is why immunization is so important. A conjugate meningococcal vaccine is available that public health officials anticipate will provide longer protection against four of the five strains of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. Although teenagers and college students are at increased risk for contracting the disease, up to 83 percent of cases in this population may be prevented through immunization.
Speak to your child’s physician about meningococcal disease and consider immunization. For more information about meningococcal disease and immunization, please feel free to contact the state Immunization Program at 860-509-7929 or visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.
Meningococcal Fact Sheet CT DPH
Voices of Meningitis Information
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this material. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.