MARION, Ill. (AP) - Starting this school year, students entering grades six and 12 in Illinois will need to have had a vaccine to prevent meningitis. The meningococcalvaccine protects against several types of the severe bacterial infection. The disease can be deadly and is particularly common among those between 16 and 21 years old. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccines after the reappearance of childhood illnesses like measles that had almost been eliminated.
Meningitis vaccine required for some Illinois students
