Bacterial Meningitis

Approved: 1997

Revised: 2004

Reaffirmed: 2012; 2018

WHEREAS, Bacterial Meningitis is a life-threatening disease which, although considered rare, has become increasingly more prominent amount both our young adult and elementary school-age populations; and

WHEREAS, Bacterial Meningitis is appearing in areas not usually associated as sites for this disease; and

WHEREAS, Timely identification of symptoms of this disease is difficult for both health professionals and the general public; and

WHEREAS, Vaccines available to the general public do not immunize appropriately all populations; and

WHEREAS, US military personnel are immunized with a more comprehensive vaccine, which is not available to the general public; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey has a law that requires New Jersey college students, who live on campus, to receive the US Military meningitis vaccine; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the NJPTA, its County Councils and Local Units educate their members and the general public as to the symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the NJPTA assist the New Jersey Department of Health with appropriate state-wide projects and programs designed to combat Bacterial Meningitis within our state; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the NJPTA, its County Councils, and local PTAs assist health care providers by distributing information on early identification, for seeking a preventative vaccine and/or immediate treatment of this disease; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the NJPTA, its County Councils, and the local PTAs lobby the NJ Congressional Delegation, as well as the New Jersey Legislators, asking to provide full funding to students who may require the vaccine when entering an institution of higher education of their choice.

Rationale - A great number of bacterial meningitis cases are still reported each year so we must continue to work toward eliminating this disease.