Recent news stories about the death of a college student in Houston due to bacterial meningitis have parents wondering what, if anything, they can do to protect their child from the very serious—and sometimes deadly—disease. While not completely preventable, having your adolescent or young adult vaccinated with the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is the best way to avoid contracting this life-threatening disease.
Many parents believe that because their child received the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and/or the haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, he or she is protected against bacterial meningitis—not the case, according to a Texas Children’s specialist.
“The Hib and PCV7 vaccines have been a great weapon against the bacteria that used to be the leading causes of bacterial meningitis,” explained Dr. Carol Baker, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Texas Children’s. “Vaccine prevention of these two causes of bacterial meningitis leaves children unprotected against meningococcal disease. In 2005, the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was FDA licensed. It protects against four of the five meningococcal bacteria or approximately 70 percent of meningitis bacteria infecting adolescents and young adults.”
The difference between viral and bacterial meningitis
The most common form of meningitis in children and adults is viral meningitis. Viral meningitis causes headache, irritability, fever and vomiting and usually runs its course within several days. It does not lead to any long-term health problems, and, because it is a virus, viral meningitis does not respond to antibiotics.
While less common, bacterial meningitis—also referred to as spinal meningitis—can be deadly. More than 10 percent of teens and young adults who are infected with meningococcal disease die and another 11 percent to 19 percent experience lifelong complications from the disease, including limb amputation, deafness and severe skin scarring.
Bacterial meningitis caused by meningococcal disease also develops quickly. “Often times, parents of preteens and teens will tolerate fever and headaches for a few days without visiting their pediatrician or family physician,” said Baker. “With meningitis, those first symptoms can quickly develop into much more severe and life-threatening symptoms. Those infected need to begin treatment immediately to minimize long-term effects.”
Protecting children from bacterial meningitis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the meningococcal conjugate—or MCV4—vaccine for three high-risk groups. They are:
- College students—specifically freshman— who will be living in a dormitory or similar close-quarters situation
- Adolescents entering high school or turning 15 years old (whichever comes first)
- 11-to-12-year-olds
MCV4 also is recommended for adolescents and adults at increased risk and anyone else wanting to be protected against meningococcal disease.
To provide protection, parents should have their child vaccinated against the bacteria that causes meningitis as soon as possible.
“For example, if this spring you know your teen is leaving for college or entering high school in a few months and he or she has not yet been vaccinated with MCV4, make an appointment today,” said Baker. “There are several reasons parents shouldn’t wait. First, it takes the body two weeks to develop protection after receiving the vaccine, so you don’t want to wait until the day before leaving for college to visit the doctor. Second, vaccine supply is often in a demand situation, and your physician may not always have MCV4 on hand. Make sure to let the office know you’re coming in for the MCV4 vaccine when you make your appointment.”
In the recent past, the MCV4 vaccine was put “on hold” for 11-to-12-year-olds because of supply issues, which means today’s 13-year-old may have not receive the vaccination during his or her annual exam. Talk with your child’s pediatrician to determine whether your child has had the vaccine.
And though teens may be on the cusp of adulthood, Baker recommended parents continue to have their teens undergo annual physical exams with a pediatrician or family practitioner in order to stay current on vaccinations, detect any potential health problems, and provide advice and counseling.
Like bacterial meningitis, the most effective way to avoid contracting any vaccine-preventable disease is to stay up-to-date on all vaccinations.
