Meningococcal disease, including meningitis, is a rare, but serious and potentially fatal illness.¹ But you can take action to prevent it. A large number of meningitis cases in the United States (up to 83 percent of cases in adolescents and young adults) could be prevented by a single vaccination.³

Another key to protecting people from meningitis is to make them aware of the disease. When people know about the threat, they can take steps to lower their risk.

Talk to your child’s doctor

Ask whether your child has ever been vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis. If the answer is no, ask if the vaccine is right for your child now. Letting your child’s health-care provider know you are concerned may lead him or her to educate other patients about meningitis in the future.

Talk to your kids

A person's risk of meningitis increases during the teenage and college years. This is just when kids want to be independent, and may not want to listen to their parents talk about health risks. Make sure they do. Teaching kids about avoiding behaviors that could expose them to meningitis may be one of the most important lessons they get.

Talk to your friends and community

They say it takes a village to raise a child. It takes a community to protect that child, too. Find out what your friends know about meningitis. Make them aware of meningitis and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families.

Host a vaccination event

The best way to fight meningitis is to vaccinate people who are at risk. Some parents have done this by arranging to have a health-care provider come to their homes and vaccinate their children and their children’s friends. These events are often called “shot parties.” Talk to your child’s health-care provider to find out how to set up one at your home or a local school, community center, or house of worship.