Florida Senate wants 7th graders to get meningitis vaccine

By The Associated Press
Published: February 15, 2012
Updated: February 15, 2012 - 1:44 PM

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TALLAHASSEE --

School children in Florida may have to get an additional shot before they can enter the 7th grade.

A Senate panel today placed a provision in the proposed state budget that would require students to get a meningitis vaccine before they enter school this coming fall.

Meningitis is an inflammation of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Some forms can cause brain damage and hearing loss according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Florida already has additional vaccination requirements for public school students, including requiring vaccines for polio and measles.

The vaccination requirements can be waived for religious or medical reasons, but not for personal or philosophical opposition, according to guidelines from the Department of Health.