Spinal Meningitis
Spinal Meningitis Vaccinations Urged
A government advisory panel has recently recommended a large age group of young people be given vaccination for spinal meningitis.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which works very closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control regarding vaccination policies, now advises any youth between 11 and 18 years old to be vaccinated for spinal meningitis.
Spinal Meningitis
Previously, the age limit was 12 years old; however, this was previously due to limited supply. Now that a vaccine giant in France has assured that it can adequately meet the demand, the panel committee expanded its limits.
Though it is not often that someone contracts spinal meningitis, when it happens it can be very tragic. 5 to 10% of Americans carry the triggering bacteria in their nose/throat. And it is important to do whatever we can to prevent the leading cause of spinal meningitis considering its high rate of fatality (10-15% of the 2,500 who get it a year).
Any age youth is susceptible (although only about 1% is actually at risk), since kids and young adults are often packed together at school, dorms or military camps.
Some concerns toward spinal meningitis vaccination is directed toward the belief that children are getting too many vaccinations at one time, and very rarely are vaccinations tested for co-administration. Some believe this is increasing the prevalence of autoimmune diseases.
However, the general feeling is that vaccination against infection is vital. And when preventing spinal meningitis means the difference between saving your child’s life and not, then maybe it is time to see the doctor.
