BETHESDA, Md. -- The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) applauds and strongly supports new recommendations made yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to expand the meningococcal disease immunization recommendations to encompass a broad range of adolescents. The ACIP now recommends meningococcal vaccination for all adolescents 11-18 years of age.
The vote to expand the CDC's previous meningococcal immunization recommendations took place during yesterday's meeting of the ACIP in Atlanta. The decision was based upon the disease epidemiology data showing an increased risk for disease among adolescents and young adults 11-18 years of age and increased availability of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
Meningococcal disease is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in U.S. toddlers, adolescents and young adults. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and a rash may appear. The disease progresses quickly and can lead to death or permanent disability, including hearing loss, brain damage, and limb amputations within hours of first symptoms. Vaccination is the best means of preventing meningococcal disease.
The expanded recommendations will replace the previous immunization recommendations calling for immunization only at the preadolescent doctor's visit, or for those previously not immunized, at high school entry or for college freshmen planning to live in a dormitory. Immunization is now recommended for all adolescents 11-18 years of age.
"This new vaccination approach is a positive step toward protecting an increased number of adolescents from this serious and potentially deadly bacterial infection," stated Carol Baker, MD, NFID's president and professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "NFID supports ACIP's decision to broaden the age cohorts recommended for meningococcal immunization and believes these recommendations will help drastically reduce the incidence of meningococcal disease among this age group and save lives."
In 2005, NFID launched an educational initiative called S.T.O.P. Meningitis! (Share. Teach. Outreach. Protect.) in collaboration with the nation's leading medical and advocacy organizations to increase clinician and consumer awareness of meningococcal disease prevention. Through this program, NFID will provide clinicians and other health care professionals with the tools and resources needed to educate patients and parents about the new recommendations and encourage immunization.
Founded in 1973, NFID is a non-profit organization dedicated to public and professional educational programs about infectious diseases.
Source: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.