Meningococcal meningitis is not the only disease that can be vaccine preventable.

Bacterial meningitis can be serious, and can be fatal within hours without prompt antibiotic treatment. Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage or death.

“Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but rates of disease are highest in children younger than 1 year old, followed by a second peak in adolescence. Among adolescents and young adults, those 16 through 23 years old have the highest rates of meningococcal disease.”

“Vaccines are foundational public health,” says Carol Quest, Watertown Department of Public Health director. “It is one person becoming vaccinated protecting themselves and others.”

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