The meningococcal vaccine is routinely given to military recruits. The Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that students entering college be informed of the risks of the disease and benefits of the vaccine.
However, neither agency routinely recommends that the vaccine be given, and not all health plans reimburse the cost (approximately $80). Thus, parents may face the decision of whether to pay out of pocket to vaccinate their child against a one in 125,000 chance of contracting meningococcal infection.
Many parents may not even be aware of the meningococcal vaccine, because it is not routinely recommended. The authors urge physicians to inform parents and patients about the vaccine during routine adolescent visits. They also recommend that physical examination forms required for school, camp and sports activities include information about the vaccine and that school nurses and parent-teacher organizations disseminate information through the schools.
The authors suggest that health maintenance organizations and health insurance companies consider paying for these vaccinations when parents or patients request them. "The meningococcal vaccine is safe and effective, and is the only currently available method to protect against invasive meningococcal disease," added Dr. Offit.
About the Expert:
Paul A. Offit, M.D., is the director of the Vaccine Education Center and chief of Infectious Diseases at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. An internationally recognized expert in virology, immunology and vaccine safety, he is a former member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to publishing more tha
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Contact: John Ascenzi
Ascenzi@email.chop.edu
267-426-6055
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
10-Dec-2003