Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Health

School Nurses Recommend Kids Get Meningitis Vaccine

With classes getting underway around California, school nurses are urging parents to vaccinate their children against meningitis.

Barbara Miller is President of the California School Nurses Organization. She says the disease has symptoms similar to the flu. "The difference is you can go from being just mildly sick to dead within 24 hours. It just attacks your body that quickly.

The recommended vaccine protects against the deadly bacterial form of meningitis. Miller says it’s spread through close contact. That means sharing drinks, kissing, sharing lipstick, and living closely together in dorm rooms.

Advertisement

There are no laws requiring the vaccine, but it is strongly recommended, especially for pre-teens and teens. Miller says less than half of California’s 13 to 17-year-olds are vaccinated.

Fact-based local news is essential

KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.

Support local independent journalism now.