Meningitis is a Threat … That Can Be Fatal

Vaccination Can Protect Preteens and Teens Who Are At Risk


School is back in session. Students will be in small, crowded classrooms and will be exposed to all kinds of germs. They’ll have full schedules, between sports, studying and after-school activities which will, at times, leave them run down. These factors can compromise their immune systems, which may put them at risk for contracting meningococcal disease, also called meningitis.


Meningitis is a devastating, yet potentially vaccine-preventable infection. Lifestyle factors common among teenagers and college students are believed to put them at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease. Among these factors are prolonged close contact with large groups of teenagers, crowded living situations like dormitories, active or passive smoking, irregular sleeping habits and close personal contact like coughing or kissing.



Did you know?
• One in 4 adolescents that contract meningitis die from the disease
• Adolescents have a higher death rate for meningitis and make up 30% of the estimated 3,000 cases in the U.S. each year
• Meningococcal disease is often misdiagnosed, since symptoms are similar to those of common viral illnesses



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all preteens and teens ages 11 through 18 be vaccinated against meningitis. Parents of children who were not vaccinated during their back-to-school physical are encouraged to have them vaccinated during their next doctor’s visit. Only one vaccination is usually needed to help keep preteens and teens protected throughout their middle, high school and college years.

Talent/Guest: Donna Mazyck, RN, MS, NCSN, president, National Association of School Nurses
Donna Mazyck brings with her more than 25 years experience in the nursing field. In her five years as a school health nurse, she was responsible for assessing the health needs of adolescents and acted as a liaison between parents and the healthcare community in order to ensure children in her school district received the care they required. Her extensive experience and knowledge has earned her the current position of president of National Association of School Nurses.



Topics Donna discusses:
• Why parents should speak with their child’s school nurse or healthcare provider about meningococcal disease
• Certain factors that put preteens and teens at increased risk for contracting meningitis
• The importance of prevention and a vaccine that is available to help protect against the disease
• Symptoms of meningitis and how your viewers can recognize them
• Resources like www.nasn.org
where parents can find more information about meningococcal disease and prevention




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