AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Maine students entering seventh and twelfth grade must now prove they are vaccinated against meningococcal disease.
The new law requires students to get the meningococcal vaccine starting this school year. All students entering seventh grade must receive one dose, while two doses are required for students entering their senior year.
Meningococcal vaccines are a school requirement in more than 20 states. The law also applies to transfer students.
Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and sepsis and can first appear as a flu-like illness. The rare though dangerous disease can be treated with antibiotics but about 10 to 15 percent of people who get sick will die even with treatment.
The disease spreads easily in large groups, and teens and young adults are at highest risk for getting this disease.