Delaware Weighing New Vaccination Requirements for 9th-Graders

Delaware health officials are considering a new requirement that schoolchildren receive vaccines before entering the 9th grade.

The News Journal of Wilmington reports that the new requirements would be intended to prevent the spread of whooping cough and meningitis.

State health division director Dr. Karyl Rattay said in a statement this week that she's weighing the "the pros and cons of mandating vaccinations for adolescents."

Public school students in Delaware are required to receive vaccinations against polio, measles and other diseases. But the state is one of just four that doesn't require a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis before high school. The meningitis vaccine is required before college, but not for 9th-graders.