'Doctors told my family I wasn't going to make it:' Campaign pushing meningitis vaccine

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A new campaign targets teenagers who may have missed an important second dose of the meningitis vaccine. Experts say that booster recommended at age 16 is essential in warding off the bacterial infection. Ten to 15 percent of those who contract meningococcal meningitis will die, and many survivors live with permanent disabilities. Adolescents and young adults are most at risk.

When he was a high school senior, Blake Schuchardt woke up very sick one morning with a bad rash. Doctors diagnosed him with bacterial meningitis and did not expect him to survive. He beat the odds, and other than a required kidney transplant, is leading a healthy life with his young family.

Blake has joined the National Meningitis Association's The16Vaccine campaign to help educate families about the importance of the booster vaccine recommended by the CDC. The first dose is given between 11 and 12 years of age.

The NMA says symptoms of meningococcal disease are similar to the flu and include "Fever, vomiting, nausea, and exhaustion. Particularly worrisome symptoms and signs of the infection include a purplish rash, pain when looking at bright lights, and a stiff neck. "

It is important to get medical attention quickly, as the infection moves very fast.

From the National Meningitis Associations:

"Meningococcal disease, which includes meningococcal meningitis, is a rare, but potentially deadly, bacterial infection. It can strike quickly and lead to devastating complications such as hearing loss, damaged organs or limb amputations."

At age 16, teens are due for a critical CDC-recommended second dose of MenACWY to help protect them from the dangers of meningococcal meningitis. This second dose helps provide essential protection against meningococcal meningitis for teens and young adults, when the risk of contracting the disease increases. Unfortunately, less than half of U.S. teens actually get this critical recommended second vaccination."

To learn more about the campaign and to set up reminders visit the16vaccine.org.