Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Wyoming Department of Health is withdrawing a proposed addition to the state’s list of required vaccinations.
In 2019, the department proposed changes to require the meningococcal vaccination for students to enroll in school as one of several recommended updates to the state’s vaccination policies. Other changes included clarifying other school vaccination requirements and clarifying provider agreement requirements for the immunization information system.
The department determined a portion of the rule changes could have presented a challenge to its school partners at this time. However, in a news release, the department said it expects to implement the new rules at some time in the future.
Two vaccines are recommended to prevent the meningococcal disease, any type of illness caused by the neisseria meningitidis bactera.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. While a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling, injuries, cancer, certain drugs and other types of infection also can cause meningitis.
Meningococcal disease can include meningitis and bloodstream infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all 11 to 12-year-olds get the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, with a booster dose at 16. Teens and young adults (people 16 to 23) may get a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.
