(Amy Pisani) - The summer heat still lingers, but parents and caregivers have embarked on the annual ritual of preparing children for the school year ahead. Store shelves overflow with school supplies, and dorm décor, a clear sign of this busy season. Amidst the hustle, one crucial task often gets overlooked: ensuring children are up to date on their recommended immunizations. This is especially vital for students heading to college or living in group settings, where reminders or school-entry vaccination requirements may be lacking.

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. While many parents have heard of this disease, they may not fully understand the risks.  It spreads easily through respiratory droplets, like those produced when coughing or sneezing, and close contact, such as kissing or sharing drinks, e-cigs, vapes and utensils.

One alarming aspect of meningitis is its similarity to the flu in its early stages, often delaying diagnosis. By the time the disease is identified, it may be too late for effective treatment. Meningitis can progress rapidly, leading to severe consequences within hours, including brain damage, organ failure, limb loss, and even death.

There are five serogroups of meningococcal disease: A, B, C, W, and Y. Each year, hundreds of people in the United States contract this vaccine-preventable disease and since 2021, cases of meningococcal disease have increased sharply, now exceeding pre-pandemic levels. While rare, the statistics are sobering: 10-15 percent of those infected will die, and 20 percent of survivors will suffer permanent disabilities such as brain damage, hearing loss, kidney dysfunction, or limb amputations. As our family advocates attest, their children’s illnesses progressed like wildfire, too often resulting in death. 

While anyone can contract meningococcal disease, it is most prevalent among infants under one year old (who are too young to be vaccinated), individuals aged 16-23, and adults over 85 years of age. Meningitis B accounts for about 60 percent of cases in individuals under 24 years of age.  

For years, vaccines have been available to protect against four of the five serogroups: A, C, W, and Y. In 2014, new vaccines covering the meningitis B strain were approved. While about 89 percent of teens have been vaccinated for meningitis ACWY, rates for meningitis B vaccination are far lower at about 30 percent. This is particularly concerning since meningitis B has been responsible for every college outbreak since 2011.

Fortunately, late last year, a new vaccine combining all five serogroups was approved by the FDA. This fall will be the first back-to-school season with this simplified option, which should reduce confusion about the vaccines and increase the likelihood that older teens are fully protected against this disease. But a flag for parents—to please make a proactive ask of your provider about the vaccines to protect against meningitis B, as many young adults are not up to date.

As the school year approaches, parents and caregivers must prioritize their children’s health by ensuring they are fully vaccinated, including the meningococcal vaccines. Colleges and group living situations are breeding grounds for diseases, making immunization essential.

To learn more about meningitis and other back-to-school vaccine resources visit https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/firstdayvax/. 

Amy Pisani, MS, is the CEO of Vaccinate Your Family, an organization whose mission is to ensure the timely immunization of people of all ages.