The St. Mary’s County Health Department will be holding a Meningitis vaccine and Tdap vaccine clinic for uninsured or underinsured persons age 11 and up, Tuesday, March 23, 2010, from 1:30p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Health Department, 21580 Peabody Street, in Leonardtown.
Meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The Center for Disease Control reports about 1,000 – 2,600 people get meningitis each year in the U.S. Even when they are treated with antibiotics, 10-15% of these people die. Of those who survive, another 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, become mentally retarded, or suffer seizures or strokes.
Infants are routinely vaccinated against the disease and a vaccine dose is recommended in adolescence at ages 11-12. Maryland requires the vaccine for residential college students because of their increased risk of the disease. For someone previously vaccinated with Menactra, the vaccine used from age 11-55 years, a booster is recommended if one remains at risk and 5 years have passed.
Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds. The Center for Disease Control reports the United States averaged more than 1,300 cases of tetanus and 175,000 cases of diphtheria each year before vaccines were available, dropping their case numbers over 96% and 99.9% respectively. Routine “tetanus boosters” at least every10 years after the childhood series contain protection against both tetanus and diphtheria. Pertussis, or “whooping cough” vaccine was not available to administer once one turned 7, and pertussis cases continued to present a threat, with pertussis cases climbing in number over the years especially to infants too young to be vaccinated. In 2004 there were more than 8,000 cases of pertussis in the U.S. among adolescents and more than 7,000 cases among adults- however 23 babies under 3 months died.
Children 6 years of age and younger are routinely vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. But older children, adolescents, and adults need protection from these diseases too. The immunity from the vaccine is effective, but lasts only 5-10 yrs., so now a one-time booster is available for adults, called “Tdap”.
The clinic will be open to St. Mary’s County residents 11-55 years who are uninsured or under-insured for vaccinations. A parent or guardian is required for students under the age of 18 years. The vaccines are FREE, however there is a $20 administration fee charged. No one will be denied service for inability to pay. Contact the Health Department at (301) 475-4316 to schedule an appointment or for more information.