Protect your teen from Meningitis B

The Village of Hoffman Estates Department of Health and Human Services has just received an additional vaccine approved to protect teens ages 16-18 years old against meningococcal B disease.

Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis, a bacterial infection of the brain, spinal cord, and blood. It spreads from person to person through close contact. Meningitis can affect anyone, especially adolescents ages 16-23.

There are more than 12 types of meningitis, but most meningococcal disease is caused by serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y. The current school requirements for the meningitis vaccine contain all of the above serogroups expect type B in the vaccine.

This vaccine will be offered during monthly immunization clinics and by appointment for college students who are 18 years old. Call (847) 781-4850 to schedule or visit www.immunize.org/vis/meningococcal_b.pdf for information on Meningitis B.