If your child has turned 16, they are due for the 2nd dose of MenACWY. This vaccine is required for entry into 12th grade. To attend school in New Mexico, all children (unless legally exempted) must meet immunization requirements as set forth by state regulations.
Source: Las Cruces Public Schools, New Mexico Department of Health
The Department of Health School Entry Immunization Requirements state that a second dose of Meningococcal (Men ACWY) vaccine is required for entry into 12th grade (2nd dose at age 16)
If your child is 16 or once they turn 16:
· Make an appointment to see your child’s health care provider, or
· Go see your local pharmacist and ask about MenACWY for your 16 year old
If Your child is 16 and in the 12th grade, they will not be allowed to attend the new school year until the Meningococcal vaccination requirement is met. Please give this matter your immediate attention so that your child’s health may be protected, and his/her education may continue. If your child has already received these immunizations, please forward your child’s completed immunization record to your school nurse at your earliest convenience.
If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse.
Exemptions from School and Daycare Immunization Requirements
The New Mexico Immunization Exemption Statute (24-5-3) allows only two types of exemptions for children seeking exemption from required immunizations to enter school, childcare or pre-school. The two exemptions are medical or religious.
If there is a medical reason for exempting, a signed medical exemption must be obtained from a duly-licensed physician attesting that the required immunization(s) would endanger the life of the child.
If there is a religious reason for exempting, the child’s parent/guardian must ask an officer of the church to write a letter on your behalf stating that you are a member of the church, and the church uses prayer or spiritual means alone for healing; or if access to a church officer is not possible, then the child’s parent/guardian must complete the Certificate of Exemption Form.
The form requires a statement of the religious reasons for requesting to have a child exempted from immunization.
The law does not grant immunization exemptions for philosophical or personal reasons.
Once a completed, notarized, original Certificate of Exemption Form is filed with the Department of Health, the Department has up to sixty days to notify the parent/guardian if the request is approved or denied.
If approved, the parent/guardian will receive two copies of the original form with a clear “Approved” box checked, a signature from an officer of the Department, and an expiration date. The parent/guardian must take the Approved form to the child’s school.
If denied, the parent/guardian will receive a letter from the Department of Health explaining that the request is denied, and that the parent/guardian has the right to file an appeal with the Department of Health Cabinet Secretary. A process for appeal will also be included.
