Meningitis Vaccine Now Required For Some Students In New York Schools

ROOSEVELT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork)-- A new state law took effect Thursday in New York requiring certain students to be vaccinated against the deadly meningitis disease.

Seventh grader Dynique Little showed off his band-aid to CBS2's Jennifer McLogan shortly after getting the vaccine.

"I'm just glad that I got the shot so that I know I can't get sick," Little said,

Across the state, parents are scrambling to comply with the new law requiring all seventh and 12th graders to be vaccinated by the first day of school.

Dr. Jeremiah Sumter is the principal of Roosevelt Middle School and he's taking on the added responsibility of getting the guidelines out to the community.

"Important to make sure parents' clear requirements are from a state level, not just a building and local level," he explained.

Students learned about the deadly disease which is often spread by drops of saliva when sharing drinks, spoons, kissing, or spending time in close proximity.

School nurse Diana Davis said the first day of school is filled with forms.

"To go to their doctors, get their appointments and follow-up to make sure that it's done," she said.

Hospitals held informational briefings.

"We have all heard horror stories about meningitis affecting the lining of the brain," said Dr. Victor Politi of Nassau University Medical Center.

Parents will be given a 14-day grace period to get their child immunized. Some hospitals are also offering the meningitis vaccine.