VNS Services and Programs: Meningitis Clinics
Meningococcal disease can cause bacterial meningitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. This disease is deceptive, potentially fatal and it progresses rapidly. It hides behind flu-like symptoms such as headache, body aches, etc.; yet can kill a young adult in less than 48-hours. There are just under 3,000 cases a year. While the disease is rare, it is devastating. Ten percent or 300 cases a year are fatal. Those that don’t die are often left with severe complications such as amputations or brain damage.
Visiting Nurse Service and the Meningitis Foundation of America will fight against meningococcal disease using a new vaccine called Menactra. In February 2005, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Menactra for adolescents 11-years and older, college freshmen living in dormitories, and adults up to age 55. Reaching college freshman is especially important because they have the country’s highest rate of the disease at 5.1 cases per 100,000.
This new vaccine lasts at least eight years and also prevents people from being carriers of the disease. The previous vaccine only lasted three to five years and did not prevent people from being carriers. It is estimated that 5-7% of the population carry the meningitis bacteria in the back of their throats. These carriers do not exhibit symptoms, are not affected by the bacteria, and typically are not aware they carry the disease. They pass on the disease through their saliva by sneezing, coughing, sharing cups or utensils or through intimate contact such as kissing.
The ACIP has an existing recommendation for a routine doctor’s visit for 11 – 12 year olds, at which they may receive a tetanus-diphtheria booster shot. With the new recommendation, 11-12 year olds will also receive the meningococcal vaccine.
VNS will vaccinate any adolescent 11 years and older. However, because college freshman are still six-times more likely to contract meningitis than the rest of the population, VNS will continue to target high school seniors to protect them before they go off to college.
On-site clinics at area schools are also available and are open to the public. The current clinic list is posted on the VNS website under calendar. If you'd like a clinic at you son/daughter's school or if you are a school administrator seeking more information, you may contact Elaine Martin at emartin@vnsi.org or (317) 722-8299, ext. 120.
The cost of the vaccination is $140. Because of the cost, pre-registration and prepayment are required. Parents and school administrators can download an additional information form What You Need to Know about Meningitis.
There are two ways in which you may register:
- Download the Pre-Payment Form and send completed form with payment to:
Visiting Nurse Service, Inc.
Attn: Judy Moon
4701 N. Keystone Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
- Call Elaine Martin, 722-8299, ext. 120 at VNS to request information to be sent to you. You can also set up the appointment to get the vaccination.
We will contact you to set up an appointment for the vaccination after the Pre-Payment form and check are received, unless you have already contacted us.
Additional Information
In 2004, provisional reports from the Indiana Department of Health confirm 22 cases of meningococcal disease in Indiana.
One 2004 case of meningitis that drew a great deal of media attention was that of Cameron Stokely, infant son of Brandon Stokely, wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. Cameron was only one-month old when he contracted meningitis and was too young to get vaccinated against it. He spent 15 days in the hospital and fortunately has made a full recovery. Not all are that lucky.
Lana Stokely, Cameron’s mother states, “It’s not even a question (about getting vaccinated), you’ve got to get it. It’s a matter of life and death and it saves a lot of lives.”
Brandon and Lana Stokely have been strong supporters of the Meningitis Foundation of America. Brandon Stokely generously donated his time for a January 2005 appearance on Wheel of Fortune and scored another victory and won more than $40,000 for the Meningitis Foundation of America.
2003 provisional reports, again from the Indiana Department of Health, state that there were forty-nine confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease in Indiana and of those, five deaths (10.2%) were reported. Of the five deaths in 2003, ages ranged from 2-71. Of the twenty counties reporting cases in 2003, Allen and Marion had five or more cases.
In 2002, there were thirty-five cases and two deaths (5.7 %). Of the twenty counties reporting cases in 2002, Allen, Lake and Marion had five or more cases.
Meningococcal disease tends to occur in infants, children and young adults.
Additional information is also available on the Meningitis Foundation of America web site at www.musa.org.
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