Gilmer Free Press

West Virginia School Nurses Urge Meningitis Vaccinations

West Virginia school nurses are urging parents to make sure their children get vaccinations to help protect against a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis.

The West Virginia Association of School Nurses says public health officials recommend that children receive a dose of the meningococcal vaccine at age 11 or 12.

Teens should receive a booster dose by age 18.

The association said Tuesday that only 46% of 13- to 17-year-olds in West Virginia have been vaccinated.

The association is participating in a national initiative to raise awareness and improve vaccination rates.