The National Meningitis Association (NMA) has formed a coalition of mothers from across the country whose children’s lives have been drastically affected by meningococcal disease. The “Moms on Meningitis” (M.O.M.s) support NMA in its efforts to educate local parents, adolescents, young adults and surrounding communities about meningococcal meningitis and prevention approaches to the disease through media outreach and community activities. It is the M.O.M.s’ hope that by sharing their personal experiences, other families will know about the dangers of meningococcal disease and have the opportunity to make informed decisions about immunization.
Each mother has a tragic, personal story to share about the devastating effects of meningococcal disease. Their goal is to prevent other families from suffering as they have, by encouraging parents, adolescents and young adults to learn about the:
- Increased risk for meningococcal disease among certain adolescents and young adults
- Flu-like symptoms and rapid progression of the disease, which can often be difficult to diagnose
- Meningococcal disease vaccination recommendations calling for routine immunization among:
- Young adolescents at the preadolescent doctor’s visit (age 11-12)
- For those who have not previously been vaccinated, young adults before entering high school or at about age 15 (whichever comes first)
- College freshmen living in dormitories
- Methods of prevention, including immunization with a recently approved meningococcal conjugate vaccine, not sharing items that touch a person’s mouth (e.g., utensils, drinking glasses, cigarettes, etc.) and practicing good hygiene habits (e.g., washing hands)
Contact The National Meningitis Association, Inc. (NMA) at:
738 Robinson Farms Drive
Marietta, GA 30068
Phone: 1.866.366.3662
Fax:
1.877.703.6096
Website: http://www.nmaus.org
E-mail: support@nmaus.org
