Meningitis
Protection
Meningitis is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health
problems. Over 3,000 Americans are affected each year. One in ten die from this
disease, and many more suffer serious health problems including loss of limbs
and deafness. Anyone can catch meningitis from close contact; those at highest
risk are children and young people. College freshmen who live in dormitories
are at particularly high risk, and it is recommended that they get a
vaccination to prevent the leading causes of meningitis.
There are two vaccines available in the US that are effective against most
kinds of the meningitis bacteria. The Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine
(MPSV4) has been available for the past 10 years and has greatly reduced the
number of meningitis outbreaks. Another newer vaccine approved last year, the
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4), is believed to be even more effective
and longer lasting than the MPSV4 vaccine. The MCV4 has not been as extensively
studied for safety as the MPSV4, so it is not recommended for pregnant women,
infants under 2 years old, or for adults over 55 years old.
Either vaccine shot is effective in reducing the risk of infection. Since
anyone can get meningitis, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
recommends that people consult their doctor about getting a vaccination. Some
people will be advised not to get the shot because of a medical condition such
as having a weakened immune system or if they have had their spleen removed.
Some people who have had reactions to allergy shots may be advised not to get
it. In spite of the slight possibility of a reaction to the vaccination, the
ACIP recommends that all people over age 55 consider getting the Meningococcal
polyaccharide vaccine MPSV4. Other age groups who should get the newer MCV4 are
all adolescents 11-12 years (or if never vaccinated all adolescents entering
high school) or any college freshman who is going to live in a dormitory.
People who will travel overseas to areas where meningitis epidemics are more
common than in the U.S. should also get vaccinated. To find out more about
meningitis epidemics worldwide, call the CDC at (404) 332-4565.
SOURCE: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Department of Health
and Human Services
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/mening/mening_fs.htm