Dear Editor,
As a school nurse at Adair Public Schools I would like to comment on the recent cases of meningococcal disease in our area, and thank you for covering this very important issue. Meningococcal disease is a rare, but serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and take the life of a child in just a single day. It is critical that parents be made aware of this devastating disease and that vaccination can help protect their children.
Preventing meningitis is particularly important because the disease moves quickly and can be hard to recognize, especially in its early stages because symptoms are similar to flu-like symptoms. Preteens and teens are at greater risk for getting meningococcal disease and health officials recommend vaccination for children 11 through 18 years of age, and college freshmen living in dormitories. Vaccination is safe and effective and is the best way to protect against meningococcal meningitis.
I encourage parents to speak with their school nurse or health-care provider about meningococcal vaccination. The cost of the vaccine is covered by most health insurance or parents can contact their local public health department to determine if their child is eligible to receive the vaccine free of charge through programs like Vaccines for Children. Parents also can visit the National Association of School Nurses’ Voices of Meningitis Web site (www.voicesofmeningitis.org) to learn more and hear stories from families who have been personally affected by the disease.
Lana Woods, RN, BSN, MEd
Adair Public Schools
