Ohio legislators OK Hite’s meningitis bill

Ohio Statehouse information

COLUMBUS — State Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) announced the passage of legislation this week that requires students to be immunized against meningitis.

“This bill is about protecting Ohio’s children and families from preventable tragedies, and I am proud to honor not only my niece, but all those who have suffered from Meningitis,” said Hite. “If we can prevent even one death with the passage of this bill, we will have made a difference.”

Meningitis can quickly strike young victims causing severe health risks or even death within hours.

Last year, the Ohio Senate honored the memory of Senator Hite’s niece, Tess, by marking March 9 as “Meningitis Awareness Day.” Tess passed away within hours of contracting meningitis. Senate Bill 121 aligns with current law on immunizations and places meningitis on the list of diseases our students are vaccinated against in order to prevent such tragedies.

Senate Bill 121 works in conjunction with the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Immunization Advocacy Network of Ohio to require students of ages recommended by the Ohio Department of Health to be immunized against meningococcal disease. This would first take place for the 2016-17 school year.

The bill recommends vaccinating against meningitis at ages 11-12, with a booster at 16. This vaccination schedule prepares students for the high-risk environments of high school and college.

Senate Bill 121 also maintains a parent’s right to opt their children out of these required immunizations for matters of conscience including religious beliefs.