Dear Parent:
As of July 2005
schools in
Translations of
meningococcal disease information available at http://www.seattleschools.org/area/healthservices/forms/meningitistrans9-05.htm
Meningococcal disease is a
serious infection of the brain (meningitis) and blood caused by a bacteria.
Fortunately, this life-threatening infection is rare -- only about 75 people
are infected each year in
The Department of
Health wants you to be aware of meningococcal disease and how you can protect
your child against it. A vaccine is available that can prevent up to 65 percent
of meningococcal disease among adolescents and young adults. The vaccine is
recommended for all children 11-12 years.
It is also recommended for unvaccinated teens age 15 years and college
freshmen who will be living in a dorm. The meningococcal vaccine is not
required for school or college attendance.
Here are some
other ways to prevent the spread of meningococcal disease:
We encourage you to learn more about meningococcal disease
and how to prevent it. More information
on meningococcal disease is available on the following web sites:
·
Washington
State Department of Health Immunization Program
Meningococcal information:
www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/meningococcal.htm
·
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
Meningococcal vaccine information: www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/vis/vis-mening.pdf
Disease Information:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.htm
Fact sheets: www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/mening/mening_fs.pdf
·
Children’s
Meningococcal Questions & Answers: www.chop.edu/vaccine/images/vec_mening_tear.pdf
·
National
Meningitis Association
Parent & Teacher Awareness Program: www.nmaus.org/programs/pta/index.htm
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