Do your teens have their meningitis shots?

    The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department encourages all preteens and teens to get their meningitis (meningococcal) vaccination.
    Meningitis is a life-threatening illness that is caused by bacteria that infects the blood, brain or spinal cord.
    It is easily spread in crowded settings such as dormitories and students can be infected from a person who looks healthy. The vaccine protects against several strains of this disease, according to health officials.
    “If your preteen or teen hasn’t gotten a meningitis shot previously, ask their doctor or nurse about getting this shot,” said Melissa Propp, RN, Clinic Manager.  
    “Meningococcal disease is rare but does occur in the United States and is seen most frequently in college settings,” she said.
    Many colleges require a record of meningitis vaccines prior to the start of classes. People who are traveling internationally to certain areas of the world may also need this vaccine.
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all 11 to 12-year-olds should be vaccinated with a meningitis ACWY vaccine. A booster dose is recommended at age 16 prior to starting college. Teens and young adults, age 16-23, should also be vaccinated for meningitis B.
    Locations and dates of shot clinics can be found on swhealth.ne.gov.  
    Questions about meningitis shots or other immunizations can be directed to Propp at 308-345-4223.
    SWNPHD serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins and Red Willow counties.