FDA approves meningitis vaccine for 2-10 year olds
November 12, 2007 by Grace Ibay
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease that can result in brain damage and even death. The rates of infection are highest in infancy but there is a second peak in adolescents.
About 2,600 Americans become ill from bacterial meningitis each year, with nearly 10% dying from the infection and 15% experiencing brain damage or limb amputation.
The FDA has just approved the meningococcal conjugate vaccine for ages 2-10 year olds, expanding its coverage from the original approved ages of 11-55 year olds. Recently, the conjugate vaccine has also been approved as part of routine immunizations for adolescents.
It is now recommended for children ages 2-10 years of age who are at risk for developing meningococcal disease, including those who have had their spleen removed or whose spleen is not functioning. Children with terminal complement component deficiency, which makes it difficult to fight infection, are also advised by the FDA to get vaccinated, and for those who expect to travel to areas outside of the United States where the disease is common.
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Tags: meningitis, bacterial, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, FDA, food and drug administration, vaccination, vaccine
