2009 Late-Winter/Early-Spring is Meningitis Peak Season Prot

2009 Late-Winter/Early-Spring is Meningitis Peak Season Protect Your Pre-Teen and Teens Against a Potentially Deadly Bacterial Infection Protect Your Pre-Teen and Teens Against a Potentially Deadly Bacterial Infection Meningitis peak season occurs during the late-winter and early-spring. As this time of year approaches, parents of pre-teens and teens need to know their children are at increased risk for this potentially deadly bacterial infection, which can cause death or permanent disability within hours of first symptoms. On the positive side, meningococcal disease (meningitis) can be easily prevented with a simple vaccination.

The National Meningitis Association is urging parents this winter to get their teenage children vaccinated to help protect them from this devastating disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends meningococcal immunization for all adolescents 11 through 18 years of age as well as college freshmen living in dormitories.

Did you know?
1. Meningococcal disease strikes nearly 3,000 Americans each year
2. Up to 12% of those infected will die; among those who survive, approximately 20% live with long-term disabilities, such as brain damage, kidney disease, deafness or amputation of arms, fingers, legs or toes
3. Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk and account for nearly 30% of all U.S. cases
4. The majority of cases among adolescents are potentially vaccine-preventable

Talent/Guest: Lynn Bozof, Executive Director, National Meningitis Association/Son, Evan, Died from Meningitis
Lynn Bozof lost her son, Evan, to meningococcal disease when he was a junior in college. Lynn hopes to help prevent other families from experiencing the devastating effects of meningococcal disease by sharing her sons story, and encouraging parents to talk to their childs healthcare provider about vaccination.

Talent/Guest: Gerald Pe/Meningococcal Disease Survivor
Gerald Pe is a college student who nearly lost his life to meningococcal disease in 2007. As a result of the disease, Gerald lost portions of his feet and suffered from kidney failure. Despite ongoing health issues, Gerald has continued to pursue his life goals and is currently majoring in Finance with plans to pursue a career involving finance and motivational speaking. Gerald works with the National Meningitis Association to educate others about the dangers of meningococcal disease and the importance of prevention, including vaccination.

For more information on meningococcal disease and immunization, go to: www.nmaus.org

Category:

Education

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• 2009
• Late-Winter/Early-Spring
• is
• Meningitis
• Peak
• Season
• Protect
• Your
• Pre-Teen
• and
• Teens
• Against
• Potentially
• Deadly
• Bac

[pirategalmakeup]

i had menangitis... UGh not fun

[seetherage]

I like this nurse/doctor. she makes it pretty straightforward and fast, none of that "you ready, 1 2 3 ; etc..."