Parents of college-bound teens have been asking me pointed questions about the vaccine that more colleges are recommending to prevent meningitis in freshmen.

Let me take my best shot and tell you something about this important vaccine.

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Why the meningococcus vaccine is important

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The vaccine we’re talking about prevents infection from a very serious type of bacteria called meningococcus. This bacteria can cause a life-threatening blood infection or result in meningitis, which is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Meningococcus is spread by close or direct contact from the nose and throat by kissing, sharing silverware or glasses, or through a cough.

Studies now indicate that infants under age one and teens and young adults between 15-21 – especially those who will be living in close quarters with other teens such as a school dormitory – are at increased risk of getting this infection.

If an infection with this bacteria does occur, one in 10 people who get it will die even with antibiotics that are designed to treat it or will experience terrible complications that can include brain damage or loss of an arm or leg.

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The good news

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¯ There is a meningococcal vaccine that can prevent four of the five most common strains of this bacteria or at least two-thirds to three-quarters of all cases from infecting your child and, in doing so, significantly reduces the risk of their getting infected.

¯ A vaccine to treat the fifth strain is now available and your child’s health care professional can determine the appropriate vaccine or vaccines needed and when doses should be given to protect your child or teen from meningococcal disease.

¯ Side effects of the vaccine are mild and the most common side effects are some redness or soreness at the sight of the injection and occasionally a low-grade fever. Allergic reactions have been reported but are extremely rare.

Hopefully, tips like these will stick with you and your teen when it comes to your recognizing the importance of getting your teen immunized with the meningococcal vaccine.

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Lewis First, MD, is Chief of Pediatrics at The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine. You can also catch “First with Kids” weekly on WOKO 98.9FM and NBC5.