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New
Meningitis Vaccine
Question: I
have heard from my child’s middle school
that there is a new meningitis vaccine. Do
my children need it? Can you tell me more?
Answer: There
is a new meningitis vaccine called Menactra
that has been approved by the FDA to prevent
a disease called meningococcal meningitis.
It is formulated to be given to
individuals between the ages of 11 and 55.
The Center for
Disease Control (CDC) now recommends the
vaccine to all children at their routine
pre-adolescent visit (11 – 12 years of
age). For
those who have never gotten the vaccine
before, a dose is recommended at high school
entry.
The vaccine is
also recommended for college freshmen,
especially if they are living in
dormitories. Many schools and colleges
require that the vaccine be given prior to
admission, so you might want to check with
your local school district
Because Menactra
provides long lasting immunity, one
vaccination can protect your middle school
child into his or her college years.
For older adults,
meningitis vaccine is recommended by the CDC
to protect travelers going to certain
countries where meningitis is prevalent.
Menactra can be given to travelers who are
under 55, and the old vaccine formulation,
Menomune, is still available to travelers
over 55.
Call us to
discuss this in greater detail and to
schedule an appointment for your vaccines.
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