|
Dr. Lynn Smith, medical director for Pediatric Associates–Greer, has become the local spokesperson for the national Voices of Meningitis Campaign. This campaign began last summer and is sponsored by the National Association of School Nurses and Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer of meningitis vaccines. While meningitis is rare, certain lifestyle factors – such as sharing water bottles, drinking glasses, and kissing – can put even healthy kids at risk for getting the disease. According to the NIS (National Immunization Study), South Carolina has one of the lowest rates of teenage vaccinations in the nation. Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can cause meningitis and take the life of a child in just a single day. Parents can help protect their children against meningitis by getting them vaccinated Preventing meningitis is particularly important because the disease moves quickly and can be hard to recognize, especially in its early stages, because symptoms are similar to flu-like symptoms. Vaccination is safe and effective and the best way to protect against the disease. This year, Voices of Meningitis selected 10 cities in the country to target with more intensive media coverage to raise awareness of the devastation of meningitis and the vaccine available to prevent it. These cities – Greenville among them – were chosen because of their relatively low rates of teenage vaccinations. The cities have partnered with area healthcare facilities, physicians, school nurses and parents of children affected by meningitis. You can find out more about the Voices of Meningitis Campaign by visiting www.voicesofmeningitis.org or by contacting Dr. Lynn Smith at Pediatric Associates – Greer, (864) 879-3883. |