Protect Your Kids During Preteen Vaccination Week

Parents are being urged to get their preteen vaccinated this week, February 13-19, for diseases commonly spread amongst the age group: meningococcal menigitis and other bacterial diseases that can kill a healthy young person. County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and other local health officials in California are encouraging parents to get their preteen children immunized. 1,000 to 2,600 people get meningococcal disease every year in the United States; out of that number, 10-15% die. Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, County Public Health Officer explains, "Meningococcal meningitis is rare, but it is a terrible and potentially deadly disease. Meningitis and other adolescent diseases can be prevented. Vaccinating your children is the best line of defense against disease.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highly recommends that preteens receive immunization against whooping cough, pertussis, chickenpox, influenza, and human Papillomavirus; all disease easily spread amongst the preteen age group. Nearly six years ago Jonathon DeGuzman, age 28, survived meningitis. Although he lived, he unfortunately lost his fingers and feet to save his life. DeGuzman explains, "Meningitis changed my life forever. If my parents had known that I was at risk for contracting the disease or that there was a vaccine to prevent it, I would have been vaccinated." Anyone can contract meningococcal disease, but it is most commonly spread amongst teen and preteen. This age group is likely to participate in actions that spread the disease such as: sharing drinks and eating utensils, kissing, smoking, and living in dormitories. In an effort to reinforce vaccination policies throughout California, the HHSA has partnered with the California School Nurses Organization's of Meningitis campaign to help spread the word about protection against meningococcal menigitis.