Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.

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April 29, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Popularity of Vaccine Grows"

Sacramento Bee (www.sacbee.com) (04/27/02) P. B4; Louey, Sandy

In California, some Sacramento-area senior high school students prepared for college life by obtaining on Friday the $60 meningococcal disease vaccine beforehand, helping also to raise awareness of the disease that killed a Loretto sophomore two years ago.  Rose Kwett organized the immunization clinic as part of her continued efforts as head of the nonprofit group Meningitis Awareness Key to Prevention, to increase awareness of the disease that killed her daughter in July 2000.  Last spring, the first clinic was held at Del Oro High School in Loomis and immunized 250 students.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that college students be informed about the disease and made aware of the vaccine; however, it does not recommend routine vaccination, though it says that vaccinations should be considered for college freshmen living in dorms.  Last year, there were 17 meningococcal cases recorded in Sacramento County, including two that resulted in death, and there have been seven cases reported this year, including one that resulted in the death of a sixth grader last month.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.