Meningococcal Disease & Vaccination-MyDilemma

[Guest guest]

Does anybody here recommend getting the Meningococcal Disease Vaccination for a

child going away to boarding school?

The child suffers from CAPD but there is great concern over this.

Any thoughts would be so helpful.

Thank you.

[Guest guest]

This disease is spread by CLOSE physical contact. My Goddaughter went away

to college this year. I told her NOT to share food utensils nor drink after

anyone. Do not share cigarettes (but if I found out she smoke one I'd drive

up there and spank her!) Don't share anything that could be contaminated

with someone Else's saliva. so be careful about who you kiss.

This disease is often spread by sharing drinks or by having indiscriminate

sexual contact. Do not share toothbrushes nor razors. Keep personal items

to yourself.

We never had this vaccine when I went to college. I never knew anyone or

heard about anyone in our college catching it. However, if it is caught, it

is a bad disease and life threatening. People who do survive often lose one

or more limbs. but if you ask me, if I were going to college or boarding

school today or sending my son to one, I would not vaccinate. I would teach

my child about the above mentioned precautions, and then if a case were

reported from the school, I would have to decide how close the contact was

with my child and make an informed, educated decision then.

[Guest guest]

I have to compromise with my husband on boosters for my two teenager (who both

missed 6th grade shots). Menactra is one I will consider (despite not being

'required') because the fatality rate is so high and the disease progression is

so rapid. There are cases in our area each winter; every year.

These are tough decisions we have to make as parents.

Pam

>

> Does anybody here recommend getting the Meningococcal Disease Vaccination for

a child going away to boarding school?

> The child suffers from CAPD but there is great concern over this.

> Any thoughts would be so helpful.

> Thank you.

>