Meningitis shot?

[anna7602]

Is this on the standard vaccination schedule? DD appears to need it for camp and I just confirmed with the pedi's office that she has never had it.

I'm seeing the pedi in a couple of weeks, but until then, anyone want to point me to credible sources about this shot if, in fact, it's not a standard one?

Eta: not trying to start a vac debate here. DD's camp includes teenagers. I'm honestly not sure if the meningitis info applies to younger kids or not. I do have the option to fill out a form saying she's not getting the shot prior to going to camp.

[pooh8402]

the CDC is your best resource re: vaccines

it seems to be on the schedule for 11-12 years old.
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/who/teens/downloads/parent-version-schedule-7-18yrs.pdf

here is the birth-6 year schedule, it doesn't seem to be on it at all. however, PCV and Hib are on this schedule, which are also causes of meningitis.
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf

fwiw, I'm a huge proponent for getting all meningitis-related vaccines, since that is how I lost my hearing. my infection was due to Hib (vaccine not released until 1990, and I got sick in 1985), but the disabilities can occur with all forms of meningitis.

[CloudBee]

It's become a really common request for college students. My university didn't require vaccinations, but meningitis was on the list of recommendations.

[pinkpeony08]

I know there are a lot of people trying to make it mandatory even if it's not yet... We have very close family friends who lost their 17 year old son to meningitis. He was fine on a Sunday (out with friends), woke up sick monday morning and died by 10 pm that night. They have been huge advocates for trying to make it scheduled vaccine to prevent what happened to them from happening to other families. The vaccine has been around awhile- at least 15 years.

[teatimefor2]

How timely, I discussed this with our pedi at the boy's wellness visit this morning.

Currently the meningitis vaccine to given to kids at age 11/12 and then again as a booster (I think he used the word booster) prior to college. There is not currently a vaccine designed for younger children. He said most pediatricians don't routinely stock meningitis vaccines and it would be difficult to it for those not in the right age group if they are not in a high risk category and most likely insurance would not cover it.

My eldest received it as a baby because he was born in the UK. Since we are going to start travelling again next year, I would like them to have the same vaccines and I think meningitis is important and that was what he explained to me.

Your DD is 6/7, right? I would speak to your pedi. Is it a US based camp?

[Deleted]

I think it is recommended for those in dormitory type settings.

[auntie]

It used to be the last shot given before you headed off to college.

A lot of pedis now give it for any kid attending a sleep away camp or residential school. DS got his when he crossed over to boy scouts when he was about 12.