Have you seen the commercial for Menactra, the new vaccine on the market? The Menactra commercial consists of a series of images of young adults and teens doing what comes naturally, ie. living. The voice over explains how dangerous life can be with meningitis lurking just around the corner. Come on!
Here are the facts. Meningococcal Meningitis is not that common.* Firstly, like HPV, it is common microflora in the nose and throat of 5-10% of people. Occassionally, it mutates and becomes an infectious disease. In the US approximately 3000 people come down with Meningitis. Of those infected, about 10% will die. The death rate for Meningitis in the US is therefore 300 per 301,139,94. In the target group, teens and college students, about 15 will die each year. I still haven't found any information on whether those who do die from this disease are immune compromised, lacking insurance, or disinclined to seek medical treatment until it's too late (has a blood infection.) The disease is typically treated with IV antibiotics and hospitalization.
Menactra is a new line of defense against Meningitis. Sadly, this vaccine has not been proven to be generally effective nor does it provide immunity for more than 3 years in those for whom it is effective. Menactra's predecessor Menomune, in addition to sharing the issue of short term effectiveness, also becomes less effective with boosters. Menactra has not been shown to overcome this problem because of its relative newness. Also, if you have a latex allergy (which is quite common) or a diagnosis of Guillian-Barre syndrome, you should avoid this vaccine.
Meningitis is much more common in Africa and during the Hajj (the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.) If you are planning to travel to one of the higher risk areas of the world (see the list on the CDC website) you might consider the vaccine for possible short-term protection from the 4 most common mutations of meningitis. Otherwise, you might head the words of Nancy Reagan and "Just Say NO!"
*This information is not applicable to HIB meningitis for which infants are usually vaccinated.
2 comments:
as wondering, have you ever treated a person with meningitis, or even met someone who suffered irreversible brain damage because of meningitis, or met parents devastated because their perfectly healthy teenager died from meningitis, or perhaps you are a school official who had to cope with the consequences of a meningitis outbreak at their school or dorm?
If not, then I suggest you might change the name of your blog to Not-so-thoughtful-girl-who-spouts-off-on-subjects-she-knows-nothing-about
Curt, I am sorry for whatever hardship you faced as a result of your experience with meningitis. Sadly, it is devastating when it hits. Still, it is not necessary for everyone to become guinea pigs for big pharma over an illness that strikes so few. And I do know a lot about vaccines and about illness and loss. I also know very well what harm vaccines can cause. Everyone should make informed decisions about these matters and not be "educated" by fear based advertising.
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