As another school year kicks off, it's important that parents become aware of a new state law that has been implemented for 7th and 12th grade students.

According to WGRZ, students entering the grades seventh and twelfth grade attending public and charter schools, must receive a vaccination for meningococcal, which is a life threatening disease causing hearing loss and brain damage.

The vaccination is already required in 27 other states around the country. Doctors say there are no side effects with taking the vaccination , however contracting the disease is terrible.

Meningococcal is spread through close contact with others who have it and many cases have been seen coming from students on college sports teams.

Parents are urged to call their child's pediatrician and make an appointment as soon as possible.

For more information visit the Dept of Health website.

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