Who Should Receive the Meningitis Vaccine?

Vaccines are an important part of preventative health care. In the past few years, new vaccines have been developed and guidelines concerning these vaccines are important. One of these vaccines is the Meningitis (meningococcal) vaccine (Menactra®), approved for use in early 2005. Meningitis occurs in about 2,500 to 3,000 people each year. Despite the availability of antibiotics effective against the organism that causes meningitis, approximately 10% of patients each year die from the infection. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the meningococcal vaccine for the following groups: college freshman (especially those living in the residence halls), military personnel, persons without a spleen and other persons with compromised immune function. For complete CDC guidelines for the meningococcal vaccine, come into Homer Drug Co. or Tiger Town Pharmacy.

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