WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

Dear SNOI,

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

 

We are asking you to show support for meningococcal ACWY booster requirement for patients aged 16 to 18.   We need your help by attending a public hearing, testifying and/or writing a letter of support for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare efforts to align school immunization requirements with the new recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

 

Public hearing involving the addition of school immunization requirement (12th grade MenACWY booster)

 

1:00 p.m.

July 10 – Coeur d’Alene Hampton Inn 

1500 W Riverstone Dr, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Riverstone South meeting room

 

1:00 p.m.

July 12 – Meridian Courtyard by Marriott

1789 S Eagle Rd, Meridian, ID 83642

Balboa meeting room

 

10:30 a.m.

July 13 – Idaho Falls Hampton Inn at the mall

2500 Channing Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83404

Hampton Bay meeting room

 

If you want to testify, please show up at the date/location/time above, and feel free to reach out to me so I can look for you in the audience.  You will have two minutes to testify.  kjs@idahoimmune.org

 

Writing a Letter of Support

 

In your own voice, please share your opinion and email your letter to:  Rafe Hewett Rafe.Hewett@dhw.idaho.gov by no later than July 13, 2018.  Below are also some key talking points.  Also included in this document are a few examples of letters. 

 

 

Meningococcal Vaccine Booster Shot – Talking Points

 

Issue

Idaho’s teenagers, including those who have already received the first does of the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine, are at risk of contracting a Meningococcal disease due to the waning immunity of the first dose.

 

Background

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-ning-goh-KOK-us].

• These illnesses are often severe and can be deadly.
• They include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).

 

Meningitis can be fatal or cause disability, sometimes within 24 hours.

• Youth are at increased risk due to close contact with each other; this includes sharing drinks, kissing, and living in close quarters, such as dormitories. 

 

Doctors treat meningococcal disease with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. 

• Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease.

 

The CDC recommends that all 11 to 12-year-old be vaccinated with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine. 

• Since protection wanes, a booster dose is recommended at age 16 years so adolescents have protection during the ages when they are at highest risk of meningococcal disease.

 

Currently Idaho requires a Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine for 7th grade entry, but does not require a Booster shot for 12th grade entry.

There are approximately 2,000–3,000 cases of meningitis each year in the United States. An estimated 110 deaths from meningococcal dis- ease occurred in the United States in 2009. 

 

Requiring a booster shot for the meningococcal conjugate vaccine prevents the harmful effects of meningitis. 

• One in 10 people infected with meningococcal disease will die, while one in five survivors will suffer long-term disability, such as loss of limbs, brain damage, deafness and nervous system problems. 

 

Solution

Require a booster shot of the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine for Idaho’s teenagers who are entering the 12th grade because the immunity provided by the first dose begins to wane.

Thank you for your support.  

 

Karen

 

Karen Sharpnack l Executive Director

Idaho Immunization Coalition

P.O. Box 234 l Shoshone, Idaho 83352

(208) 961-1514 l kjs@idahoimmune.org

Website:  www.idahoimmune.org