US CDC makes new push for adolescent immunization

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is calling for routine meningococcal disease vaccination to be given during preadolescent doctors’ visits between the ages of 11 to 12 years. Further, for those not previously immunized, the CDC recommends vaccination at high school entry, or around age 15, and for incoming college freshman who will be living in dormitories.

Data shows adolescents and young adults are at increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection. These age groups also may experience an unusually high mortality rate. According to one study, as many as one in four adolescents who contract the disease may die. Nearly 20% of those who survive meningococcal disease will suffer permanent disabilities, including brain damage, limb or digit amputation, skin scarring and hearing loss.

“CDC’s new immunization recommendations will help to protect adolescents and college students, who are at increased risk for contracting meningococcal disease,” said Carol Baker, professor of pediatrics at the Baylor College of Medicine, and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. “It is important we do everything possible to ensure these new groups of adolescents are immunized and protected from the devastating nature of the disease.”

The availability of a new meningococcal conjugate vaccine is expected to provide longer-term protection from the disease.