Protect Your Adolescents Against More Than Just A Cold T...(se of the flu. Early symptomsmay include...),Health

Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk for the disease, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all U.S. cases. Certain lifestyle factors, such as dormitory-style living, prolonged close contact with large groups of other adolescents, irregular sleep patterns and active or passive smoking, are thought to put adolescents at increased risk for the infection. However, the majority of cases among adolescents and young adults are potentially vaccine-preventable.

While there are steps your children can take to help protect themselves, such as getting enough rest and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, vaccination is the best way to prevent meningococcal disease. The meningococcal vaccine protects against four of the five major strains of the disease.

"With meningitis peak season upon us, I encourage all parents of adolescents and young adults to learn about the disease and talk to their child's health care provider about meningococcal vaccination," said Tama Lee. "Don't wait. Any time your child visits the doctor is a good opportunity to have this discussion."

For more information about NMA or meningococcal disease, please visit http://www.nmaus.org.

Contact: Jenn Corrigan at (732) 382-8898