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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Meningococcal Disease

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Meningococcal disease is on the rise in Florida.

This vaccine-preventable illness is spread through close contact over a period of time, or direct contact such as kissing or sharing drinks. Take PRIDE🌈 in your health and get the meningococcal vaccine today. Call 850-595-6554 to schedule an appointment.

Meningococcal Disease is a serious disease caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. Fortunately, these bacteria are not as contagious as germs that cause the common cold or flu. People do not catch the bacteria through casual contact or by breathing air where someone with meningococcal disease has been. It requires close contact over a period of time, or direct contact such as kissing or sharing drinks. 

Symptoms 

Early symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, confusion, and rash. Anyone who has been exposed or develops symptoms should be evaluated by a health care provider immediately. This is a rare but potentially devastating disease. However, it can be prevented and treated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against meningococcal disease.

Prevention 

While everyone should take prevention seriously, the following high-risk groups should consider vaccination with a meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine:

  • College and university students;
  • Immunocompromised individuals;
  • People living with HIV;
  • Men who have sex with men;
  • People in any groups listed above who received their MenACWY vaccine more than 5 years ago.

FDOH-Escambia offers meningococcal vaccines. Call FDOH-Escambia at 850-595-6554 to schedule an appointment.

Learn More 

For more information about meningococcal disease, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website 

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