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| Vaccine-Preventable Diseases |
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Meningococcal Disease |
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Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening illness. It is caused by bacteria that infect the blood, brain, and spinal cord. People often call it meningitis. |
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The disease is spread person-to-person. It is easily spread in crowded settings. You can catch meningitis from a person who looks healthy. |
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Even with proper treatment, 10%–15% of people with meningococcal disease die. Of the people who survive, as many as 20% suffer from some serious complication, such as loss of an arm or leg, brain damage, or permanent hearing loss. Meningitis can cause shock, coma, and death within hours of the first symptom. |
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The disease most often strikes older teens and young adults. If you travel internationally or have certain medical conditions, you may also be at risk. |
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Vaccination is the best way to prevent meningitis. |
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| Meningococcal Vaccine Schedule |
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| All preteens and teens should get 2 doses of meningococcal vaccine. Some young adults may also need this vaccine. People of all ages with certain medical conditions should get vaccinated and some should receive booster doses throughout life. Travelers to certain countries should also get vaccinated. |
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| National Meningitis Association |
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| NMA is a nonprofit organization founded by parents whose children have died or suffered long-term disabilities from meningococcal meningitis. The website includes meningitis news by state, as well as video accounts of meningococcal meningitis. |
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| Voices of Meningitis |
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| Listen and learn how to help protect your family from meningitis. From the National Association of School Nurses |
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| Meningitis Angels |
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| Meningitis Angels is a nonprofit organization composed of survivors and families of meningitis victims. They offer information and support to families affected by meningitis. |
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Video Library |
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| Getting It - A Disease... A Vaccine (Pt. 1): Narrated by Glenn Close, this 2-part video features the stories of meningococcal disease survivors and families affected by the disease. |
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| >> view all meningococcal videos |
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| Personal Testimonies |
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| Stories of suffering and loss from meningococcal disease |
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| More Meningococcal Information |
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| This page was reviewed
on January 28, 2013 |
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Immunization Action Coalition • 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite 234 • Saint Paul, MN 55104 |
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tel 651-647-9009 • fax 651-647-9131 |
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The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC), a non-profit organization, works to increase immunization rates and prevent disease by creating and distributing educational materials for health professionals and the public that enhance the delivery of safe and effective immunization services. IAC also facilitates communication about the safety, efficacy, and use of vaccines within the broad immunization community of patients, parents, healthcare organizations, and government health agencies. |
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