Meningitis Kills BUT Can Be PREVENTED With Vaccination

Meningococcal vaccines are now available that help protect against all three serogroups of meningococcal disease that are most commonly seen in the United States.

You can help keep your pre-teens and teens healthy and active by making sure they get the vaccines needed to protect them against serious, sometimes deadly diseases.
Even if vaccinated as an infant, there are vaccines recommended specifically for adolescents.

1. Each year, meningococcal disease strikes nearly 1,500 Americans and 11 percent of those infected will die.
2. Adolescents and young adults are at greater risk for meningococcal disease than most, accounting for 15 percent of all cases. One out of seven who get the disease will die.
3. Among those who survive, approximately 20 percent live with permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, loss of kidney function or limb amputations.
4. Meningococcal disease is often misdiagnosed because its early symptoms are much like those of the flu.
5. Health officials recommend routine vaccination at 11-12 years old with a booster dose at age 16 to protect preteens and teens against meningococcal disease.

The National Meningitis Association (NMA) is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease. We are dedicated to educating families, medical professionals and others about meningococcal disease and its prevention.

Meningococcal disease, sometimes called bacterial meningitis, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that may cause death or disability within hours. However, it can be prevented through vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal vaccination for all children at 11-12 with a booster at age 16.