Meningitis Vaccinations Recommended for Children At Summer Camps

Author: Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan
Published: 31 May 2010 - Updated: 7 Aug 2022

Contents: Synopsis - Definition - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: VNA is stressing the importance of vaccinating children for meningitis prior to their participation in summer camps.

The U.S. CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends meningitis vaccination for adolescents 11 years and older, college freshmen, and adults aged 55 and younger. The vaccination last approximately 3-5 years.

Topic Definition: Bacterial Meningitis

Bacteria or a virus can cause meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common, but bacterial meningitis is more serious. It can lead to brain damage, paralysis, or stroke. In some cases, it can be fatal. Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include; Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. Vaccines are available that target many of these bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is serious. Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.

Introduction

Parents may be surprised to learn that children headed for summer camp are susceptible to bacterial meningitis. Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan stresses the importance of vaccinating children for meningitis before their participation in summer camps.

Main Content

Bacterial meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord that can result in serious, permanent disability, including amputation of the arms and legs, stroke, seizure, and death.

"Parents may be familiar with the need for meningitis shots for their teens going off to college," said Kay Renny, Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan's manager of community programs, "but the need is just as important for children attending summer camp."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the meningitis vaccination for adolescents 11 years and older, first-year college students, and adults aged 55 and younger. The vaccination last approximately 3-5 years.

Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan offers meningitis vaccinations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday thru Friday, at its Oak Park office at 25900 Greenfield Road, Suite 600 Oak Park MI, 48237. The cost is $125, payable by cash or check. Walk-ins are welcome; pre-registration is preferred. To reserve your spot or for more information, call (248) 967-8755.

VNA of Southeast Michigan

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Oak Park, Mich., Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan (VNA) is the largest independent nonprofit provider of home health care and hospice services. VNA also makes immunizations for more than 12 diseases, including influenza and travel vaccinations, accessible to the public through walk-in clinics.

Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan is the largest independent nonprofit provider of home care, hospice, and corporate wellness services for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and surrounding communities in Michigan.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan and published on 31 May 2010, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.