Spring 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We want to inform you of a new Immunization requirement that will be in effect for students enrolling in Fall 2023 semester in New Mexico.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We want to inform you of a new Immunization requirement that will be in effect for students enrolling in Fall 2023 semester in New Mexico.
- All students entering 11th grade who are 16 years and older, will be required to get a second dose of a vaccine called Meningococcal ACWY or MenACWY.
- If your teen is not yet 16, but is entering 11th grade, wait until your teen turns 16 to get the booster and please let the school nurse know. Boosters given before age 16 don’t count and would have to be repeated.
Most students have had the first dose of this vaccine at age 11 or 12, since New Mexico schools have required the first dose since 2019.
To go along with experts’ advice, teens need a booster dose of MenACWY at age 16. Since most students entering into 11th grade are age 16 or older, this is the best time to get them immunized.
Meningococcal meningitis is rare, but strikes quickly and can be devastating, even resulting in death or disability. Teens and young adults are at high risk of getting sick with meningococcal meningitis, which is why this is the best time to boost their immunity.
When your teenager turns age 16, please arrange to get them immunized so they will be protected.
Your child can get all of their needed shots in their doctor’s office and in many pharmacies, and there will be “Got Shots” clinics in July and August around the state to make it easier for families to get their children the shots they need. This summer check https://www.nmhealth.org/about/phd/idb/imp/ to find a Got Shots clinic near you.
Check with the school’s health office for other options for getting your 16-year-old boosted against meningococcal meningitis. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
School Nurse Andrea Romero
NMDOH Immunization Program Manager
P.S. MenB is another vaccine against meningococcal meningitis, but it is not required for school. We encourage you to talk to your health care provider about whether MenB is right for your teen. MenB vaccine is different from MenACWY and is not a substitute. Some colleges do require incoming freshmen to be vaccinated with MenB.
PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION
1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite 1050 • P.O. Box 26110 • Santa Fe, New Mexico • 87502
(505) 827-2389 • FAX: (505) 827-2329 • www.nmhealth.org
(505) 827-2389 • FAX: (505) 827-2329 • www.nmhealth.org