Have informed discussions and make educated decisions.
The below conversation guide and useful resources can help you start this important conversation with your teen’s doctor.
CONSIDER THIS:
According to 2020 CDC survey data, >70% of 17 year olds had not received vaccination against meningitis B. Although meningitis B is uncommon, once symptoms appear, it can progress quickly and can be fatal, sometimes within 24 hours.
Based on CDC surveillance data from 2015-2019,
Alexandra: I am a mentor
ON-SCREEN TEXT: I am a mentor
KAREN: I am confidant
ON-SCREEN TEXT: I am a confidant
MISHI: I’m the companion
ON-SCREEN TEXT: I’m the companion
NATASHA: I’m the mamma bear
ON-SCREEN TEXT: I’m the mamma bear
MELINDA: I am a healer
ON-SCREEN TEXT: I’m a healer
ALEX: I am a kangaroo mom.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: I am a kangaroo mom.
LUIS: I’m a protector
ON-SCREEN TEXT: I’m a protector
MISHI: My reason is…
ON-SCREEN TEXT: My reason is…
NATASHA: …to make sure they have a fulfilling future.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: My reason is to make sure they have a fulfilling future
ALEX: My reason is pure love.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: My reason is pure love
GUSTAVO: Everything I do for my kids is because…
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Everything I do for my kids is because
GUSTAVO: I love them unconditionally
ON-SCREEN TEXT: I love them unconditionally
VO: As parents, we share the same reason why: We want to protect our children because we love them.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: We want to protect our children because we love them.
VO: That includes helping to protect them against meningitis B
ON-SCREEN TEXT: MENINGITIS B
VO: Early symptoms can be confused for the flu…
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Early symptoms can be confused for the flu.
VO:…and, although uncommon, meningitis B can be fatal, sometimes within 24 hours.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Although meningitis is uncommon, about 1 in 10 cases of the disease leads to death, sometimes within 24 hours.
KAREN: It’s so important to know what you can do.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: It’s so important to know what you can do.
ALEX: If I don’t do it, who’s going to do it?
ON-SCREEN TEXT: If I don’t, who will?
MISHI: Get the information and then make your own informed decision
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Talking to your doctor can help you make an informed decision
VO: Talk to your teen’s doctor about meningitis B vaccination today.
ON-SCREEN TEXT: Talk to your teen’s doctor about meningitis B vaccination today. Vaccination may not protect all recipients.
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BEXOGM20008 April 2022
USE THIS QUICK GUIDE FOR DISCUSSING MENINGITIS B WITH YOUR TEEN’S HEALTHCARE PROVIDER:
BE THE ONE TO START THE CONVERSATION
Even though the decision to vaccinate against meningitis B relies on an important conversation between the healthcare provider and parent/guardian, not all doctors will mention it. It’s best to be proactive and ask your teen's healthcare provider if the MenB vaccine is appropriate for your child.
Be prepared with all the information
If you aren’t sure whether your teen or young adult has received meningitis B vaccination, contact their healthcare provider’s office and ask for your teen’s vaccination records. It's important to note that there are two different types of meningitis vaccines, one for meningitis groups ACWY and one for meningitis group B. So, even if they already received a meningitis vaccine, they might not be vaccinated against meningitis B.
If your teen hasn't received vaccination for meningitis B, plan to ask about it at their next appointment. If they don't have an upcoming appointment, don't be afraid to make one, especially if they are getting ready to go to college. In college, they may be exposed to behaviors that are risk factors for getting the disease, such as sharing drinks and living in close quarters.
BE READY TO ASK ABOUT HOW TO HELP PROTECT YOUR TEEN
If records confirm that your teen has not yet started a meningitis B vaccination series, ask their healthcare provider about vaccination during the appointment.
Although meningitis is uncommon, it can be deadly and have serious consequences. According to the CDC, vaccination is the best defense against meningococcal disease.
Vaccination may not protect all recipients.
Be diligent about completing the series
Meningitis B vaccination requires more than one dose. After the first dose, don’t wait to schedule an appointment for the next dose and be sure your teen or young adult keeps the appointment – a little reminder (or two) never hurts.
HERE’S THE LIST, CHECK IT TWICE.
To help you prepare for an upcoming appointment, we’ve provided this handy list of discussion points.
Don’t miss your chance to mention meningitis. Be sure to ask about:
THE TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF MENINGITIS VACCINES: ONE FOR GROUP A, C, W, AND Y AND ONE FOR GROUP B
WHY THERE MAY BE HIGHER RATES AMONG TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS 16-23 YEARS OF AGE
HOW MENINGITIS CAN SPREAD THROUGH CERTAIN COMMON BEHAVIORS
EARLY SYMPTOMS THAT CAN PROGRESS QUICKLY
HOW MANY DOSES IT TAKES TO COMPLETE THE SERIES
NEED A PRACTICE RUN? USE OUR VIRTUAL DR. DISCUSSION GUIDE
This virtual guide will walk you through each important piece of information you can discuss with your doctor when exploring whether meningitis B vaccination is appropriate for your child.
