Senate Bill 31, which was recently passed by the Texas Legislature, requires public schools to annually provide all students and parents with information relating to bacterial meningitis. The information enclosed with this letter is to educate parents about the symptoms of this disease and what to do in the event that a student is diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
The Texas Department of Health stresses that this disease is not a widespread problem with children who are in public schools. The regional and county health departments do not have this vaccine available unless there is an outbreak. If an outbreak occurs in our area, the health department will notify and advise families and schools regarding the necessity of the vaccinations. The population most at risk for contacting bacterail meningitis is college freshmen that live in dormitories. However, the Legislature did intend that all public school students and parents be made aware of this disease and the potential health consequences.