The West Virginia Immunization Network will meet on July 29^th to raise awareness about the importance of the meningitis vaccine. Two nationally recognized immunization advocates will be there including Frankie Milley, founder of Meningitis Angels, who will discuss the impact of vaccine preventable diseases.

Shanen Wright Vice President for Advancement at the Center for Rural Health Development, the lead agency for the Immunization Network, says that the meningitis vaccine is a recommended vaccine but is not required by law.  West Virginia’s requirements for vaccines are not as high as they should be, but are somewhat comparable with other states, according to Wright.

Wright says that before pushing for regulation they want to raise awareness about the issue.  He said that many vaccines can be obtained for free via the county health department.  Statistically the incidents of meningitis in West Virginia have gone down over the past decade, but Wright maintains many are still unaware of the dangers posed by the disease.

Vaccinations are available for Invasive Meningcoccal Disease and not viral meningitis.

Categories: Local News
Tags: , health, Meningitis