State health officials have approved a measure that would require rising 7th graders to receive the meningitis vaccine.
One more administrative step is required before the vaccination would become mandatory. The vaccine is for meningitis and other meningococcal diseases. Bacterial meningitis is most common in people between the ages of 15 and 21, but only about half of thi state's teenagers currently receive the vaccination.
The state Commission on Public Health approved the measure earlier this week. A review committee will discuss the proposed change later in June, and if there are no objections, the rule would take effect next year. It would apply to students who enroll in the seventh grade after July 1, 2015.
The rule would bring North Carolina's vaccination standards in line with national recommendations.