One Dose of Meningitis Vaccine Is Not Enough for Long-Term Immunity

April 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Teens and young adults may need a booster shot to stay protected from meningococcal meningitis, a rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection with devastating consequences. Those who survive are often left with severe physical impairments including limb amputation, seizures and hearing loss.

Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the meninges or the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Often mistaken for flu at the outset, meningitis can leave its victim lifeless in as short as seven hours. The most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that adolescents and teens, who have already had a meningitis shot between the ages of 11 and 15, should get a booster dose to have sufficient protection when headed for college.  The dosing schedule is as follows: For ages 11 and 12, the recommended revaccination age is 16. For ages 13, 14, and 15, boosters are recommended by age 16, 17 or 18.  For 16 year olds, no additional booster is needed.

“I have met people directly affected by meningitis,” said Kay Renny, RN, BSN. “One woman’s son, a college freshman, died the night they brought him into the emergency room. Another man survived, but lost portions of his fingers and toes. They both told me: ‘I never knew there was a vaccine for meningitis.’”

Meningitis vaccinations are available through Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan’s Oak Park Office, Monday through Friday, located at 25900 Greenfield Road, Ste. 600, Oak Park, Mich.  

“VNA also offers ‘Shot Parties’ as a fun way to encourage immunizations,” said Renny.  “A parent agrees to host 10 or more of their child’s friends at a set time, and we will send a nurse out to the home to administer the vaccinations.”

Some insurances cover the cost of the vaccination. VNA also accepts cash or check for the Menactra meningitis vaccine which costs $130.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more, call (248) 967-8751 or visit www.vna.org.

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Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan is the largest, independent nonprofit provider of home care, hospice and corporate wellness services for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and surrounding communities in Michigan.