Meningitis Angels Supports CDC on Preteen Immunization Campaign

The Teen Angel Vaccinators, From left to right, top row, Carye Wynn of New Jersey, Christian Lewis of Thicket, Leslie Meigs of Houston, Beary Wise (Lacey Lewis of Thicket), Emma Issacs of New Caney, Summer Stokes of Humble and Kiley Menard of Louisiana, Bottom row, Andrew Meigs of Houston and Adam Issacs of New Caney. 

Meningitis Angels along with many other health organizations were invited to partner with the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases as they launched a Preteen Vaccine Campaign aimed at promoting vaccination of preteens (11-12 year olds) to protect against serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and cervical cancer.

The campaign also promotes the 11 to 12 year old medical check-up.  Target audiences are parents of 11 and 12 year olds and healthcare providers  (pediatricians, family physicians, and nurses) who regularly see preteens

 As kids get older, protection provided by some childhood vaccines can begin to wear off. Kids can also develop risks for more diseases as they get older. Help your child transition into adolescence in a healthy way by staying up-to-date on pre-teen vaccines. Doctors recommend that all 11 and 12 year olds get the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. 11 and 12 year old girls should also get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

 Frankie Milley who lost her only child to meningococcal meningitis and founder/director of Angels stated, "Ages 11 years through college freshmen are most at risk for deadly meningococcal meningitis and infants and toddlers at risk for pneumococcal disease including meningitis. Children die and are left debilitated and it could be prevented in most cases. Diseases like pertussis, HPV and flu still are causing serious health problems."

 Angels feels education is so important on this issue, they created a preteen and teen group along with Beary Wise who is wise because he immunizes, to educate this same age group along with children on the importance of healthy living and immunizations. They have also created a (7) minute video to send out to schools this fall.

 To obtain campaign materials including flyers, posters, banner ads, and web content about preteen vaccines and the preteen medical check-up and more information about the campaign or to view educational materials, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/preteen/  or for more information on meningitis visit www.meningitis-angels.org.