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NEW YORK, December 06, 2006 -- The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA) and National Football League star Deion Branch are asking for your help in raising awareness about the importance of meningitis vaccinations, by launching a series of Public Service Announcements.
Meningitis is a serious, sometimes fatal infection causing inflammation of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. It is contagious, as the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are spread by methods such as coughing, sneezing and kissing. Young children are more susceptible to bacterial meningitis than others, but vaccinations can help prevent children from getting some forms of meningitis.
However, not all children are getting vaccinated. Only 60 percent of African American children under two years of age are being immunized (compared with 84.8 percent of white children). Pneumococcal disease, which includes meningitis, is more common among children of certain racial or ethnic groups, including African-Americans, than among other groups.
Deion Branch, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks and Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXIX, knows first-hand about the dangers of meningitis. Deion's son, Deiondre, contracted meningitis when he was just an infant. Deion has dedicated his time and energy towards raising awareness about meningitis and disease prevention through the MFA and the Deion Branch Foundation.