FORT MEYERS, Fla., Sept. 17, 2018
/PRNewswire/ -- The National Meningitis Association (NMA)
today announced the launch of a new educational initiative in
collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi,
about the importance of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's (CDC's) recommended second dose of the meningococcal
meningitis vaccine (MenACWY) for adolescents at age 16. The 16
Vaccine (The16Vaccine.org) aims to educate parents about the
importance of this critical second dose of MenACWY, which helps
protect teens against meningococcal meningitis during the period
when they are at increased risk.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8385951-national-meningitis-association-the-16-vaccine/
Vaccination is the best defense against meningococcal
meningitis, yet according to the CDC, more than half of U.S. teens
have not yet received the recommended second dose of MenACWY,
potentially leaving many adolescents without
protection. That's why the NMA is urging parents to ask their
teen's healthcare provider about the MenACWY second dose during
their 16-year visit.
"My life changed forever when my son, Chris, was diagnosed with
meningitis and passed away shortly after," said Leslie Maier, Secretary Treasurer of the NMA.
"Some parents are aware of the primary dose of MenACWY vaccine at
11-12 years of age, but they don't know CDC recommends a second
dose at age 16. I urge every parent to talk to their teen's
healthcare provider about the MenACWY second dose at their 16-year
old visit and ask about other potentially life-saving vaccines that
are available to help protect them."
Parents of teens can find more information about the recommended
MenACWY second dose and other important vaccinations, including the
meningococcal B vaccine, that should be considered for teens at
The16Vaccine.org, along with a discussion guide to use at the
16-year visit.
The campaign website features emotional firsthand stories of
meningococcal meningitis survivors and advocates whose lives have
been irrevocably impacted by the disease. Parents can also sign up
for a text reminder at The16Vaccine.org, which will alert parents
when it's time to schedule an appointment for their teen's 16-year
vaccine visit.
Anyone at any age can contract meningococcal meningitis, but
teens and young adults between 16 and 23 years of age are among
those with an increased risk of infection, likely due to common
lifestyles and behaviors among this age group, such as living or
socializing in crowded conditions. 2,3
Although rare, meningococcal meningitis is a serious, contagious
and potentially deadly bacterial infection.4 The
bacteria that cause the infection can spread when people have
contact with a carrier's saliva, such as through kissing, coughing
and sharing beverages.3 It develops rapidly and can
cause death in 10-15 percent of cases, sometimes within 24 hours of
illness onset.5,7 Among survivors, as many as one in
five live with permanent disabilities, including hearing loss,
brain damage, kidney damage, or limb amputations.4
"I knew bacterial meningitis was a potentially deadly disease,
but I didn't think it would ever affect me, until it did. Looking
back on my time in the hospital and the long recovery, I wish I
could go back, reverse time and gotten the shot," said Krystle Beauchamp Grindley, meningitis disease
survivor and NMA advocate. "As someone who was fortunate enough to
survive bacterial meningitis, I encourage every parent to talk to
their teen's doctor about getting the critical second dose of
MenACWY at 16."
About Meningococcal Disease and Meningococcal
Meningitis
Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially deadly
illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria
meningitidis.6 Meningococcal disease may result in
inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
(meningococcal meningitis) and bloodstream infections
(meningococcal septicemia).6
There are numerous serogroups (types) of Neisseria
meningitidis. 2 Serogroups B, C and Y currently
cause the majority of disease in the
United States. 2 Serogroup W causes a small
portion of the disease, and serogroup A is a known cause of disease
in developing countries.2 Meningococcal disease can
spread from person-to-person when people have close or lengthy
contact with a carrier's saliva, such as through kissing, being
coughed on, sharing a beverage and even cosmetics.3
Meningococcal meningitis develops rapidly and can cause death in
a healthy individual in as little as 24 hours after the first
symptoms appear.5 The most common symptoms include
stiff neck, high fever, purple rash, sensitivity to light,
headaches and vomiting, which can resemble influenza or other viral
infections.4,5 Meningococcal disease can affect anyone
at any age. However, it most commonly affects babies,
preschool children, adolescents and young adults between 16 and 23
years of age.6
About the National Meningitis Association (NMA)
The NMA works to protect families from the potentially
devastating effects of meningococcal disease by educating the
public, medical professionals and others about the disease and its
prevention. The NMA network also provides critical emotional
support for families who have been affected by meningococcal
disease. Visit NMA at www.nmaus.org, and find them on Facebook or
Twitter.
About Sanofi
Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health
challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on
human health. We help prevent illness with vaccines, provide
innovative treatments to fight pain, and ease suffering. We stand
by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with
long-term chronic conditions.
With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is
transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around
the globe.
Sanofi, Empowering Life
Media Relations Contact
Jorge Gaeta
(212) 886-2253
jorge.gaeta@unlimitedgroup.com
Brandon Skop
(212) 229-2704
brandon.skop@padillaco.com
References:
1 "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Aug.
2018,
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6733a1.htm.
2 "Meningococcal Disease." Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 6 July 2017,
www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/clinical-info.html.
3 "For Parents: Vaccines for Your Children."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Dec.
2015,
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/teen/mening.html.
4 "Disease and Prevention Information." National
Meningitis Association,
www.nmaus.org/disease-prevention-information/.
5 "Meningococcal Invasive Disease - Frequently Asked
Questions." New Jersey Department of Health, Feb. 2017,
www.nj.gov/health/cd/meningo/documents/meningococcal_faq.pdf.
6 "Meningococcal Disease." Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 28 Mar.
2017, www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/risk-age.html.
7 "Meningococcal Meningitis." World Health
Organization, World Health Organization, 19 Feb. 2018,
http://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/meningitis/en/.
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content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-meningitis-association-urges-parents-to-get-their-teens-the-16-vaccine-to-help-protect-against-meningococcal-meningitis-300710513.html
SOURCE National Meningitis Association