1	"Dawn Schaefer RN BSN" Dawn Schaefer RN BSN West De Pere District Nurse
2	Parents Generally Unaware Adolescents and college students at increased risk Disease progresses rapidly and within hours can lead to permanent disability or death May be prevented through immunization
3	What Is Meningococcal Disease? Bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis Leading cause of bacterial meningitis among U.S. toddlers, children and adolescents Attacks membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or poisons the blood (meningococcemia)
4	Overview: Meningococcal Disease Strikes approximately 3,000 Americans each year; 10% of them will die Among teenagers and college students, fatality rate is unusually high According to one study, as many as one in four teens who contract the disease may die Disease can progress rapidly and symptoms may resemble those of common viral illnesses: High fever Headache Nausea Exhaustion Rash
5	Overview: Meningococcal Disease Nearly 20% of meningococcal disease survivors have permanent disabilities, including: Brain damage Loss of hearing Organ failure Limb amputations
6	Overview: Meningococcal Disease Meningococcal bacteria are transmitted through air droplets and/or by direct contact with secretions from infected persons (e.g., through coughing or kissing) The majority of meningococcal disease cases occur in winter and early spring
7	Overview: Meningococcal Disease Five serogroups, or strains of the bacteria, cause 95% of meningococcal cases worldwide A, B, C, Y and W-135 Serogroups B,C and Y are most prevalent in the U.S. Among teenagers and young adults, up to 83% of cases may be prevented through immunization
8	A Peak of Meningococcal Disease Incidence Occurs in 15- to 19-Year-Olds*
9	Disease Prevention Vaccination Most effective method of protection Immunization may prevent up to 83% of cases occurring among teenagers and college students Encouraging healthy habits Promote frequent hand-washing and good hygiene Avoid sharing items that touch a person’s mouth, since it may help spread the disease Encourage teens and young adults to get enough sleep and maintain a healthy lifestyle
10	Immunization: Best Protection FDA-approved conjugate meningococcal vaccine expected to provide longer term protection against disease Protects against 4 of the 5 serogroups (A,C,Y, W-135) Available for use in persons 11 to 55 years
11	Vaccination Recommendations The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for: Adolescents at preadolescent doctor’s visit (11-12 years) Adolescents at high school entry, or about age 15 College freshmen living in dormitories Other groups at high risk (e.g., travellers, military recruits, complement deficient and asplenic patients) Other adolescents who wish to decrease their risk of meningococcal disease may choose to be immunized
12	What Can We Do to Protect Children in West De Pere? Support efforts to educate parents and students about the disease and immunization To reach the community with this important information, we plan to: Distribute letters to parents Post posters/information throughout the school Conduct presentations at back-to-school/parents nights Reach out to the health department to host a vaccination clinic
13	Supporting Immunization at West De Pere Talk to your family’s health care provider to see if your child should be vaccinated To learn more about meningococcal disease and prevention, contact Dawn Schaefer RN West De Pere District Nurse at 337-1087 ext. 8031.