Whereas, Meningococcal disease is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection that strikes between 1,000 to 3,000 Americans annually; and
Whereas, Meningococcal disease is contagious, spread through air droplets and direct contact with secretions of infected persons via coughing, kissing, or sharing of drinks; and
Whereas, Meningococcal disease is often misdiagnosed as something less ser ious because early symptoms are similar to the flu, but, when left untreated, progresses rapidly, sometimes, within hours, leading to death of an otherwise healthy individual; and
Whereas, Adolescents and young adults are particularly susceptible to meni ngococcal disease, accounting for 15 percent of all cases nationally; one out of seven adolescents who contract the disease will die; and
Whereas, Among those who survive meningococcal disease, approximately 15 to 20 percent suffer long-term consequences , such as brain damage, kidney disease, hearing loss or limb amputations; and
Whereas, Two meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV4) are licensed in the United States and approved for persons age 2-55; and
Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Pre vention (CDC) recommends an initial meningococcal disease vaccination at age 11-12 and a booster dose at age 16 ; therefore be it
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent associations educate their members about the dangers of meningococcal diseas e; and be it further
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent associations advocate for Implementation of the CDC recommendation for an initial meningococcal disease vaccination at age 11-12 and a booster dose at age 16 and a booster dose to prote ct all children from the devastating effects of this disease