Meningococcal conjugate vaccine, known by the brand name Menactra is now available through the West Virginia Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. Menactra vaccine will offer protection against four serogroups that causes meningococcal infection.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that strikes between 1,500 and 3,400 Americans every year, causing meningitis or sepsis in the majority of cases. Approximately 10 percent of individuals who contract meningococcal disease will die. Of those who survive, up to one in five suffer permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, neurological damage and limb amputations. Meningococcal disease often begins with symptoms that can be mistaken for common viral illnesses, such as the flu. But unlike more common infections, meningococcal disease can progress very rapidly and kill an otherwise healthy young person in 48 hours or less.

The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health recommends one dose of Menactra for children in each of the following age groups: 11-12 year-olds, 15 year-olds, and 17-18 year old college freshmen residing in dormitories. Most of West Virginia's county health departments are able to provide Menactra only to children who met eligibility requirements of the VFC Program. Children birth -18 years of age qualify for the VFC Program if they meet one of the following conditions: enrolled in Medicaid, have no health insurance, are an American Indian or Alaskan native or are underinsured.

Enrollees of the West Virginia Children Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) are eligible to receive state-supplied Menactra from their private practitioner. Menactra vaccine should not be taken by persons with known hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine or to latex, which is used in the vial stopper.

-30-