The American Society for Meningitis (ASMP) is deeply concerned about recent changes made to the childhood immunization schedule by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A Fast-Moving, Devastating Disease

Meningococcal meningitis is a devastating and unpredictable disease that can kill in a matter of hours or leave survivors with lifelong disabilities, including brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, or limb amputations. ASMP’s leadership and advocates know this reality firsthand. Many of us have lost children or loved ones to meningitis. That personal loss is why prevention and vaccination matter so deeply to our community.

Normal Teen Behavior Carries Real Risk

Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk because of how they naturally socialize – sharing drinks, living in close quarters, and having frequent close contact. These are normal behaviors parents cannot realistically control. Vaccination is one of the few proven steps families can take to protect their children and help safeguard their communities.

Rising Cases Demand Stronger Protection, Not Less

U.S. meningococcal disease cases have risen sharply since 2021 and now exceed pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, 503 confirmed and probable cases were reported based on preliminary data – the highest number since 2013. In this context, narrowing vaccine recommendations raises serious concerns.

Shared Clinical Decision-Making Has Failed

Evidence shows that shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) fails in practice and widens existing health equity gaps across our country. We have seen this for many years now with the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine, which has had an SCDM recommendation since 2015. Uptake has remained low: only about 16% of eligible adolescents have completed the MenB vaccine series, nearly half of pediatricians do not routinely discuss it, and most parents are unaware that the vaccine exists. As a result, meningitis B has caused 100% of college campus outbreaks since 2011.

Vaccines Must Remain Accessible and Clear

Vaccines must remain accessible without unnecessary barriers or confusion that make it harder for families to protect their children. No parent should face the loss that so many in the ASMP community have endured.

Guidance for Families

ASMP encourages families to consult immunization recommendations from trusted medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, to help ensure children, teens, and young adults are protected against this deadly disease.