As a parent to a toddler and soon-arriving twins, my children’s health and safety is the most important thing to me. We’ve always made sure our son received his scheduled vaccines – those that are recommended by the CDC. Imagine my surprise and shock to learn that the vaccine for Meningitis is not recommended. I’m completely embarrassed to admit that I had to find out if he had actually received it or not. I had no idea since it was not a part of the normal infant immunization schedule. This time around, I will be making sure that my twins receive it as soon as they possibly can.
Meningitis Angels, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about meningitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases, is working to fight against meningococcal disease. Meningitis is prevntable and the vaccine can mean the difference between life and death for an infant.
Some facts every parent should know:
- Each year 1 in 7 people who contract the disease will die from it. Infants are the most vulnerable. Infants account for approximately 35% of the 2,500+ cases in the US.
- The disease starts as non-specific flu-like symptoms which can rapidly progress. It can become very aggressive and kill within as little as four hours, making it difficult to diagnose and treat.
- Those that survive can suffer paralysis, limb amputations, stroke, hearing loss, blindness, organ damage and more.
I encourage you to HELP and have your voice be heard. Join Meningitis Angels in asking the CDC to put the infant meningoccal vaccine on the infant immunization schedule!
Also, please take the time to watch this video to learn more:
Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central and Meningitis Angels. This campaign was made possible in part through support provided by Novartis Vaccines. A small donation to a charity of my choice was made in my name from Mom Central as a thank-you for participating. All opinions in this posting are 100% my own.
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