Meningococcal Vaccine for Meningitis at Corporate Health Management in Dallas, Texas

Meningococcal Vaccine

What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection that often begins with symptoms like a common cold, but progresses rapidly to intense headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, high fever; and, frequently, a rash with pink macules. The disease is dangerous because its onset appears innocent, but it progresses very rapidly to a serious, life threatening disease.

Nearly 20% of the teens and young adults that contract the disease die from it. Of those who survive, approximately 1 in 5 have serious permanent disabilities such as deafness, amputations and brain injury. These complications and death often occur in spite of the best medical care. Once the infection begins, it is very difficult to stop. Because of this, prevention with the meningococcal vaccine Menactra™ is the only satisfactory way to manage the disease.

How does meningococcal disease spread?
It is spread through personal contact with someone who is infected with meningococcal disease. Transmission of the disease occurs through body fluids similar to the transmission of the common cold and influenza. Close personal contact, kissing, sharing eating utensils or foods or smoking together pose high risk.

New recommendations
Recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that children ages 11-12 and teens entering high school, as well as college students be protected with the meningococcal vaccine. Click on the link below for more information.

http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/meningitis/mcv4/mcv4_acip.htm

Risk for travelers
Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East are at especially high risk for meningococcal disease. Because of the lack of established surveillance and timely reporting from many of these countries, travelers to the meningitis belt during the dry season should be advised to receive meningococcal vaccine, especially if prolonged contact with the local population is likely. Those traveling to Mecca during the annual Hajj are required to have meningococcal vaccine before entering the country.

Statistics

1 in 5 people who get meningococcal disease will die.
Of those who survive, up to 1 in 5 will suffer permanent disabilities such as limb amputation, severe scarring, brain damage and hearing loss.
Death rates from meningococcal disease are up to 5 times higher among 15- to 24-year-olds compared with younger populations.

Vaccination
There is a new FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of meningococcal disease that is highly effective and protects against strains A, C, Y, and W-135. It is not effective against "type b” meningococcal disease. Protection lasts up to eight years. The new meningococcal vaccine was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 14, 2005, for use in those 11-55 years old. It is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur and is marketed as Menactra™.

Meningococcal Awareness Program
In response to these new guidelines, CHM is launching a Meningococcal Awareness Program to educate and vaccinate everyone who is at high risk. Special education programs and onsite vaccinations are available for schools, colleges and church groups. International travelers going to high-risk areas are also encouraged to get the vaccination at least 2 weeks prior to travel.

For more information on the Meningococcal Awareness Program, or to schedule an appointment for a vaccination, contact Corporate Health Management at 214-361-0995.