By Mary L. Grady
One of the rites of the back-to-school season is the rush to get disease-preventing vaccines up to date. Each year the list of immunizations lengthens, offering more protection from potentially devastating diseases.
A new vaccine for the too-often deadly meningitis diseases is now being recommended for children, and young adults entering college. However, as the word has gotten out about the new vaccine, there are already shortages. And many insurance companies have yet to decide whether to cover the cost of the shot.
There are several types of meningococcal disease, known as meningitis, three of which are common in the United States. The bacterium, known to spread quickly, causes an infection in the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain.
Meningitis is rare — about 3,000 cases are reported each year in the U.S. When it does occur, however, it can be fatal. Meningococcal infections are treatable with antibiotics, but only if caught early. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every 10 people who get the disease dies. One out of every four adolescents who contract the virus dies. Others who contract the disease but recover can face serious lifetime disabilities such as hearing loss, the loss of a limb or brain disorders.
There are now two vaccines available in the U.S., one of which has been available since the 1970s and the new vaccine, just licensed this year. The new vaccine is expected to give better protection from the diseases, help prevent the spread of the illness and offers longer protection than the older, but still useful vaccine. The new vaccine, called Menactra, is targeted for children aged 11 or 12, and is highly recommended for college freshmen.
According to Diane Roach, R.N. of Mercer Island Pediatrics, many patients have already asked for the vaccine. As a result, the clinic has been out of the vaccine for some time and had been referring patients to King County Public Health Clinics. The county, also short on supply, sent a letter to the clinic asking them not to refer any more patients. According to Roach, the clinic requires patients to pay for the immunization and follow up with their own insurance.
Nearby colleges such as the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound also recommend the vaccine and require payment at the time of immunization. The cost is about $95. A recent letter published on the Mercer Island School District Web site informs parents of the availability of the new vaccine and advises parents to consider having their child vaccinated. The notice is required by a law passed by the state Legislature earlier this year. The vaccination is not yet required for admission to the Mercer Island School District. The list of immunizations required for attendance at public schools in King County for 2005-2006 can be found on the Mercer Island School District Web site or the King County Public Health Department Web site. Colleges and universities also post information on what is required for incoming freshmen.
Other immunizations added recently for public school children in King County include: A complete series of hepatitis B vaccinations for students enrolled in kindergarten through eighth-grade. Students entering kindergarten through eighth-grade are now required to show proof of having received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, one dose of mumps-containing vaccine, and one dose of rubella-containing vaccine. Parents or legal guardians have the right to choose not to immunize their child based upon medical, religious or philosophical reasons. Officials warn that there is a risk when choosing against vaccination. In addition to the potential risk of becoming infected with a vaccine-preventable disease, a child who is not fully immunized may be excluded from attending school or childcare during an outbreak of such a disease. Immunizations are not just for kids. The King County Public Health department reminds everyone to keep vaccines up to date. Besides children and young adults, health care workers need to be protected as well as adults who work outside or travel.
