National Meningitis Association Urges Parents to Get Their Teens The 16 Vaccine to Help Protect Against Meningococcal Meningitis
Vaccination is the best defense against meningococcal disease, yet more than half of U.S. teens have missed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended second dose of MenACWY at age 16(1)
FORT MEYERS, Fla., Sept. 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Meningitis Association (NMA) today announced the launch of a new educational initiative in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, about the importance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) recommended second dose of the meningococcal meningitis vaccine (MenACWY) for adolescents at age 16. The 16 Vaccine (The16Vaccine.org) aims to educate parents about the importance of this critical second dose of MenACWY, which helps protect teens against meningococcal meningitis during the period when they are at increased risk.
Vaccination is the best defense against meningococcal meningitis, yet according to the CDC, more than half of U.S. teens have not yet received the recommended second dose of MenACWY, potentially leaving many adolescents without protection. That's why the NMA is urging parents to ask their teen's healthcare provider about the MenACWY second dose during their 16-year visit.
"My life changed forever when my son, Chris, was diagnosed with meningitis and passed away shortly after," said Leslie Maier, Secretary Treasurer of the NMA. "Some parents are aware of the primary dose of MenACWY vaccine at 11-12 years of age, but they don't know CDC recommends a second dose at age 16. I urge every parent to talk to their teen's healthcare provider about the MenACWY second dose at their 16-year old visit and ask about other potentially life-saving vaccines that are available to help protect them."
Parents of teens can find more information about the recommended MenACWY second dose and other important vaccinations, including the meningococcal B vaccine, that should be considered for teens at The16Vaccine.org, along with a discussion guide to use at the 16-year visit.
The campaign website features emotional firsthand stories of meningococcal meningitis survivors and advocates whose lives have been irrevocably impacted by the disease. Parents can also sign up for a text reminder at The16Vaccine.org, which will alert parents when it's time to schedule an appointment for their teen's 16-year vaccine visit.
Anyone at any age can contract meningococcal meningitis, but teens and young adults between 16 and 23 years of age are among those with an increased risk of infection, likely due to common lifestyles and behaviors among this age group, such as living or socializing in crowded conditions. 2,3
Although rare, meningococcal meningitis is a serious, contagious and potentially deadly bacterial infection.4 The bacteria that cause the infection can spread when people have contact with a carrier's saliva, such as through kissing, coughing and sharing beverages.3 It develops rapidly and can cause death in 10-15 percent of cases, sometimes within 24 hours of illness onset.5,7 Among survivors, as many as one in five live with permanent disabilities, including hearing loss, brain damage, kidney damage, or limb amputations.4
"I knew bacterial meningitis was a potentially deadly disease, but I didn't think it would ever affect me, until it did. Looking back on my time in the hospital and the long recovery, I wish I could go back, reverse time and gotten the shot," said Krystle Beauchamp Grindley, meningitis disease survivor and NMA advocate. "As someone who was fortunate enough to survive bacterial meningitis, I encourage every parent to talk to their teen's doctor about getting the critical second dose of MenACWY at 16."
About Meningococcal Disease and Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially deadly illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.6 Meningococcal disease may result in inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis) and bloodstream infections (meningococcal septicemia).6
There are numerous serogroups (types) of Neisseria meningitidis. 2 Serogroups B, C and Y currently cause the majority of disease in the United States. 2 Serogroup W causes a small portion of the disease, and serogroup A is a known cause of disease in developing countries.2 Meningococcal disease can spread from person-to-person when people have close or lengthy contact with a carrier's saliva, such as through kissing, being coughed on, sharing a beverage and even cosmetics.3
Meningococcal meningitis develops rapidly and can cause death in a healthy individual in as little as 24 hours after the first symptoms appear.5 The most common symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, purple rash, sensitivity to light, headaches and vomiting, which can resemble influenza or other viral infections.4,5 Meningococcal disease can affect anyone at any age. However, it most commonly affects babies, preschool children, adolescents and young adults between 16 and 23 years of age.6
About the National Meningitis Association (NMA)
The NMA works to protect families from the potentially devastating effects of meningococcal disease by educating the public, medical professionals and others about the disease and its prevention. The NMA network also provides critical emotional support for families who have been affected by meningococcal disease. Visit NMA at www.nmaus.org, and find them on Facebook or Twitter.
About Sanofi
Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We help prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain, and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.
With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.
1 "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Aug. 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6733a1.htm.
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