USA Today reports that few teens are given the meningococcal meningitis vaccine, even though the CDC reports that “adolescents are at higher risk than any other age group.” Experts attribute this to the relative newness of preteen and teen vaccine advisories and the lack of state mandates for teens or college students to be vaccinated.
USA Today adds that “in 2005, the CDC began recommending kids get a single meningitis shot at age 11 or 12” and a booster shot at 16.
USA Today also notes that the Food and Drug Administration “has approved a meningococcal vaccine for infants as young as 9 months.”
Bottom line? I recommend it.