The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Pediatrics have issued new vaccination recommendations for certain adolescents and college students to help protect against a potentially fatal bacterial infection called meningococcal disease. A new vaccine, expected to provide longer term protection, is now available. Up to 80 percent of cases in adolescents and young adults are caused by potentially vaccine-preventable strains of the disease. Doctor Susan Rehm of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases:
"Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults are at increased risk for meningococcal disease. The infection progresses rapidly and may lead to hearing loss, limb amputations, brain damage, and even death. N-F-I-D supports these new recommendations, which will help protect teens and college students."
Vaccination is the best protection against meningococcal disease, which shares symptoms similar to the flu, making disease prevention critical. For more information, talk to your health care provider and visit n-f-i-d-dot-org or c-d-c-dot-gov.
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