The pneumococcal meningitis vaccine is something that all students must have at El Dorado High School in order to keep everyone safe and healthy and to prevent others from contracting it.
Pneumococcal meningitis is an infection or inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that cover your brain and spinal cord. Pneumococcal meningitis is caused by bacteria and can lead to death if it is not treated properly.
According to the Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada, up to 40 percent of people may carry the bacteria that causes pneumococcal meningitis in their nose or throat.
Some symptoms of the infection are chest pain, chills, headache, fever and severe vomiting.
Pneumococcal meningitis is spread from one person to another by direct contact, which is why it is necessary to get the vaccine at EHS.
Registered Nurse Janet Scarlett, the nurse on staff at EHS, said, “It is a state law that you have the vaccine for pneumococcal meningitis. The first dose should be for seventh grade students, and the second at [age] 16 as of Sept. 1 of each year.”
She continued, “I will notify the students’ parents and you have thirty days to get the vaccination. The student must have the vaccine in order to remain in school.”
Students can get the pneumococcal meningitis vaccine from the Union County Health Department or from their personal physician.