Shot of Prevention

By Lynn Bozof

 Lynn Bozof is one of five founding members of the National Meningitis Association.

As World Meningitis Day approaches, it’s a good reminder for all of us to take stock of whether our children are up to date on vaccinations.  As a mother who lost a son to meningococcal meningitis, not knowing the disease was potentially vaccine-preventable, my heart will forever be heavy with grief.  If only I had known.  The CDC recommends routine vaccination for all 11-18 year olds, and there are safe and effective vaccines licensed for ages 2-55.   You can’t think because a disease is rare, that it won’t affect your family.  You have the means to protect your children – take advantage of it.

Learn more about NMA at http://www.nmaus.org/