Meningococcal
Meningococcal
Meningococcal disease is often a severe, possibly life threatening, illness caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. About 1 in 10 people carry this bacteria in the back of their nose and throat without showing signs of illness. Sometimes the bacteria invade the body, causing certain illnesses known as meningococcal disease. Infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream are common forms of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal bacteria are spread from person to person through respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit) during close or lengthy contact. Keeping up to date with required vaccines is the best protection against meningococcal disease. To learn more about meningococcal disease please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/index.html
To lower your chances of getting meningococcal disease, the CDC recommends vaccination for:
-
All preteens from 11 to 12 years old (Indiana requires students entering 6th grade to have a meningococcal vaccine)
-
Teens and young adults 16 through 23 year olds (Indiana requires students entering 12th grade to have a booster)
More information about who should receive a Meningococcal vaccine can be found here: