Meningitis vaccine now covered by the Empire Plan

Effective July 1, 2005, the meningitis vaccine will be considered a covered pediatric vaccine for dependent children up to age 19, under both the participating provider and basic medical components of the Empire Plan. Full-time dependent students age 19 and over will be eligible for vaccine coverage under the adult immunization benefit, which is through a participating provider only.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics are recommending pre-teens aged 11 and 12, and high school and college students living in dormitories be vaccinated. In order to maintain adequate supplies of the vaccine, providers are being advised to vaccinate children aged 11, 12 and 17 and college students in the identified risk group. Students in the 13 to 16 age range will receive the vaccine in subsequent years.

Vaccination at age 11 can protect children from the disease through college. However, since the meningitis vaccine is specific to certain strains of meningitis bacteria, it will not protect against all forms of the disease. Parents should discuss the appropriateness of this vaccine for their children with their pediatrician.