Center has meningitis vaccinations
By Bobbi Mlynar
Originally published 01:36 p.m., January 21, 2008
Updated 01:36 p.m., January 21, 2008
A vaccine to prevent bacterial meningitis has become part of the health-care routine for youngsters and young adults in this area.
“The recommendation is for any children 11 and above to get it done,” said Amanda Dreasher, who holds a bachelor of science in nursing and is a registered nurse at the Flint Hills Community Health Center.
Meningitis is defined as “an infection that causes inflammation of the three thin layers of tissue, known as meninges, that cover the brain and spinal cord.” The bacterial variety of the disease can produce severe consequences.
The vaccine generally is effective in people aged 11 to 55, though younger people are more likely to contract the disease.
“We have a pediatrician in our office who is recommending those vaccines for our 11- and 12-year-olds and also those coming in for tetanus shots at 15 and 16 ... and we have some parents who are asking for them, too,” she said.
A meningitis vaccine has been available for around 30 years, and a new vaccine — meningococcal conjugate vaccine — was licensed in 2005. The latter appears to be more effective for most people. In certain instances, however, the original polysaccharide vaccine is recommended.
Meningitis often is seen in young people 18 to 24, Dreasher said.
That age group is more likely to be exposed to the disease because of living in college dorms or taking part in sports and using communal showers; they also may have a weakened immune system from stress.
“Some people can actually harbor it, like in their nose passages, and are chronic carriers,” Dreasher said. “They may never get sick from it, but they can give it to other people.”
The meningitis vaccination can be given alone or at the same time other vaccines are scheduled, she said. Innoculation is recommended for young adults going off to college, the military, or other situations where close contact is inherent.
The vaccine provides the best chance for protection against bacterial meningitis, the type of meningitis that can have the most serious consequences.
Viral meningitis is easier to treat and generally much less severe.
Bacterial meningitis can progress quickly and result in brain damage, blindness, loss of limbs because of decreased circulation and even death.
The bacterial form of the disease creates a medical emergency, according to information from the Children’s Hospital Boston Web site, which Dreasher recommends as a good resource of information.
Common symptoms of bacterial meningitis listed on the site are:
• high fever
• severe headache
• stiff neck
• sensitivity to light
• drowsiness
• confusion
• A rash, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat also can occur
Hospitalization and antibiotic treatment are necessary.
Viral meningitis, in comparison, produces milder flu-like symptoms, headache and stiff neck. The viral disease generally dissipates in three to 10 days and is treated with bed rest and Tylenol, the CHB site states.
“Usually when it’s caused by virus, it’s treated by over-the-counter drugs. But it’s still important to see the doctor for that,” Dreasher said.
The bacterial variety, its symptoms and possible complications are best avoided.
The vaccine for bacterial meningitis is effective for about 10 years, she said, and usually has only minimal side effects — tenderness at the site of the shot, swelling, redness and, occasionally, a short-term low fever.
The health center here has a two-page handout to answer questions and provide details about the vaccine and the disease.
Who needs a shot?
• 11- and 12-year-olds are recommended to have the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4) as part of routine checkups.
• Older youngsters who have not had the vaccine should have it when entering high school.
• Older teens who want to decrease their risk of getting the disease.
• College freshmen living in dormitories.
• U.S. military recruits.
• Anyone traveling to Africa or other parts of the world where meningococcal disease is common.
• People with certain immune system disorders.
• People who have been exposed to meningitis.
MCV4 is the preferred vaccine for people 11 to 55 years of age. An older variety of vaccine — Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) — is preferred for children 2 to 10 years old and adults over 55 who are at risk.
“Meningococcal Vaccines”
information sheet,
Flint Hills Community Health Center
jcallahan (anonymous) says...
The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives.
Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities. Complications from bacterial meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs.
MFA has many spokespersons available. If you would like to arrange an interview with a spokesperson please call Scott Lawson, Development Director or myself Jamie Callahan, General Manager of the MFA. A MFA press kit and, for television producers, b-roll footage is available upon request. For further information, visit the MFA website at www.musa.org.
Thank you,
Ms. Jamie Callahan, General Manager
Meningitis Foundation of America
6610 North Shadeland Ave.
Suite 220
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(800) 668-1129 ext.7
jcallahan@musa.org
January 21, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MeningitisAngels (anonymous) says...
Great Article and kudos to the Flint Hills Community Health Center for immunizing kids.
As a mother who lost an only child to meningitis I feel the need to make the following comment.
Meningitis is not just a college freshmen disease. This is why it is so important to immunize at an earlier age. Older children and teens often participate in the same activities as college freshmen through school, work, living conditions and recreational activities. They don't eat right, get enough rest and are often under stress.
It should also be noted there are many college freshmen living off campus who have or will contract this disease, including my son, Ryan who died from meningococcal meningitis.
All need to be educated on this disease and ACIP recommendations need to be followed for immunization.
For more information on bacterial meningitis visit, www.meningitis-angels.org
Frankie Milley, Ryan's Mom/Founder/National Director
January 22, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
To Frankie Milley:
I'm very sorry for the loss of your son. Thank you for being an advocate to prevent others from having the same fate as your son. I'm sure your work saves many lives. Peace to you.
January 22, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GailBailey (anonymous) says...
Our 20-year old son, Eddy, died while in college from bacterial meningitis. It's so important for parents to understand the visciousness of this disease and to be on the OFFENSE for it. Both of my sons had every required vaccine, but we knew nothing about meningitis until it was too late. This disease took our son's life, but it also took a piece of our souls forever because without Eddy, we don't have his dry wit that makes us laugh, we don't get to see his kindness to others, we lose the opportunity for a grandchild from him, we all lose so much. I cannot fully comprehend why the medical community does not speak to parents about this disease during childhood checkups. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect meningitis because this disease causes so much damage and spread the word about the vaccine to others also. Gail Bailey, Ed's mom
January 22, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )