Meningitis shots will not be offered to 2020-2021 seniors

Graphic Illustration by Blake Loria

Unlike previous years, the district will not offer meningitis shots to graduating seniors. In an email to students, college and career counselor Cory Gropp provided ways students can get the vaccine. “The best way is to make an appointment with your doctor and have your doctor do that,” Gropp said. “Usually, if you go through Walgreens or CVS, this will cost you over $100. Colleges do have opt out forms, but each college has their own. Talk to your admissions counselor to locate that opt out form for your specific university or college.”

Blake Loria, Editor-in-Chief
March 10, 2021

Canyon ISD will not offer the Meningitis vaccine to seniors this year. The vaccine is typically provided to students on campus during a two-day drive.

The district also provided locations students can get the vaccine: City of Amarillo Department of Public Health at 1000 Martin Rd, South Park Pharmacy at 5901 Bell, Hillside Family Medicine at 7130 Bell, Grand Pharmacy at 3500 NE 24th, as well as walk-in clinics.

Any students enrolling in college in Texas are required to show proof of taking the vaccine during the five-year period before enrollment and must get the vaccine at least 10 days before the semester begins. For more information, the Texas Department of State Health Services provides research on the rules for vaccine requirements.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis. Symptoms include headaches, fever and a stiff neck.

“Depending on the cause, meningitis may get better on its own, or it can be life-threatening,” Canyon High nurse Paige Tucker said. “The CDC recommends a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine for first-year college students living in residence halls. If they received it before their sixteenth birthday, they need a booster shot for maximum protection before going to college.”

Tucker said it is important to get the vaccination sooner rather than later.

“If they wait until the last minute, then supplies could be depleted or appointments unavailable,” Tucker said.