Groups urge vaccinating kids against meningitis

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Associated Press

Story Created: Wed Aug 1, 2012 7:01 AM

Story Updated: Wed Aug 1, 2012 7:02 AM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Students will soon be returning to the classroom, and a nurses group and others are urging parents to have their children vaccinated against meningitis.
   
The group Voices of Meningitis says meningococcal meningitis can be spread through activities such as sharing water bottles and drinking glasses and points out that 10 percent of people who contract the disease don't survive it.
   
The Kentucky School Nurses Association says current public health recommendations call for a booster vaccination to help keep teens protected following an initial dose at age 11 or 12.
   
The nurses group says less than 45 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds in Kentucky have been vaccinated against meningitis.

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