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New Meningitis Shot Shields Teens and Young Adults Vaccine could save hundreds of lives each year A new vaccine can help head off one type of bacterialmeningitis for 11- and 12-year-olds, teens entering high school and college freshmen in dormitories. Though somewhat rare, meningitis can be deadly. Caused by bacteria that infect the bloodstream, brain lining and spinal cord, it kills one in 10 victims — up to 300 Americans a year. One in five survivors may face permanent disabilities. Most meningitis patients are less than 2 years old. That’s why infants get shots that fight bacteria that can cause this contagious disease. But meningitis due to the meningococcus germ peaks again in adolescents and young adults. “More deaths actually occur in teenagers,” says Marian Melish, M.D., pediatric infectious disease specialist at Kapi`olani Medical Center for Women & Children. The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has long backed immunizations against meningococcus for college freshmen — especially those who live in packed dormitories. An older vaccine (sold since 1981) protected them for three to five years. But early this year the ACIP approved a new vaccine to help block meningitis: the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra). It’s suggested for adolescents and lasts longer than the old vaccine. “The advantage of Menactra is that one shot can protect you for a long time, even possibly for the rest of your life,” says Dr. Melish. “This new vaccine also makes you less able to transmit the bacteria to someone else.” Marian Melish, M.D. The new vaccine protects against four of the five bacteria groups that cause meningococcal infection. “That means it protects you against about 70 percent of the meningococcal cases,” says Dr. Melish. Meningitis Symptoms Meningitis at first looks like the flu or a migraine, says the National Meningitis Association (NMA). But it worsens quickly. Symptoms include: A headache, which may seem like the worst you’ve ever had A fever (perhaps very high) Vomiting Numbness, cold or loss of feeling in extremities Stiff neck Eye pain from bright light which causes you to avoid light Disorientation or confusion Seizures A rash or purple spots The NMA suggests you call your doctor or go to an emergency room if you have one or two of these symptoms. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis. People who have been in close contact with the patient also may be given an antibiotic.