A shot a day keeps the sickness away.

Alterations to the required vaccinations for students have been made for the upcoming 2018-19 school year.

Two new vaccinations will be required in August 2018. The immunizations account for hepatitis A and meningococcal meningitis. If a student does not get the vaccinations, they will not be allowed to attend school.

Towards the end of November, the state of Kentucky declared that they were enduring a hepatitis A outbreak. Hepatitis A is a virus that attacks a person’s liver causing infection. This virus can be spread through everyday actions such as eating or drinking something or touching an object that is contaminated with said virus. Symptoms include nausea, fever, vomiting or a loss of appetite. While death from this disease is rare, it is possible.

Meningococcal meningitis is the infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord caused by the bacteria, meningococcus. With this infection, symptoms include fever, headache, and nausea. Meningococcal meningitis can be spread through eating or drinking after another person or kissing.

The vaccination for hepatitis A is required for all Bullitt East students. A student must have verification of receiving two doses of said vaccination. However, there must be a six month period between the two doses. So, it is best for students to get the first shot now, so they are able to obtain the second shot.

The meningococcal meningitis vaccination is required for those 11 and older. One dose is required for those aged 11 to 15 while two are required for those 16 and older. Many of those 16 and older would have gotten the first vaccination at age 11, to which they would need to get the second before the start of the school year. However, if a student is 16 or older and has not received a shot for meningococcal meningitis before, the student only requires one shot before the school year begins.

If a student fails to show verification for these two vaccinations, they will not be able to attend school at the beginning of August.  “All students must have (the vaccinations) to attend school,” said Etta Thompson, Data Manager.

It is best to get a head start on the new vaccinations because to be administered into school, the first hepatitis A shot must be obtained by the end of January.