Vaccinate at Legacy: Protecting Our Community from Meningococcal Disease

Vaccinate at Legacy: Protecting Our Community from Meningococcal Disease

When a student was diagnosed at HISD’s Bonham Elementary School with Meningococcal Disease last fall, parents were understandably concerned. Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria and can lead to meningitis, which is swelling of the brain and spinal cord lining. It also causes bloodstream infections that damage blood vessels and cause internal bleeding.

Teens and young adults are at a higher risk of contracting this disease. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services said that in 2022, there were 15 cases of meningococcal disease, including two deaths, in Texas.

While meningococcal disease is rare, it can escalate quickly, making early recognition and prevention critical. The good news is that Legacy Community Health offers a vaccine to protect children and families against Meningococcal Disease.

Meningococcal Disease Mistaken for the Flu

It’s flu season, and one of the challenges with meningococcal disease is that its symptoms can look a lot like the flu, especially in the early stages.

“Meningococcal disease differs from the flu in that it can rapidly progress from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions like meningitis or septicemia,” explains Dr. Iliana Solano, Medical Director of Pediatrics at Legacy. “While the flu often presents with respiratory symptoms, meningococcal disease can manifest with a high fever, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light—symptoms that resemble other conditions, which makes early detection challenging. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for survival and minimizing long-term effects.”

Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or confusion. For infants, signs might include irritability, lack of appetite, or unusual inactivity. If someone close to a person has been diagnosed with meningococcal disease, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Preventive antibiotics can help reduce the risk of infection.

Meningococcal disease spreads through close contact. Sharing food, drinks, or utensils, as well as coughing or kissing, can transmit the bacteria. However, it’s not as contagious as the flu or common cold, and casual contact (like being in the same classroom) poses a much lower risk.

The Best Defense Is Vaccination

Legacy Community Health understands how important vaccinations are for both individual and community health. They offer a wide range of vaccines for all ages, from infants to seniors, including flu, hepatitis B, DTP, HPV, and MMR.

In Texas, students in grades 7–12 are required to receive the MenACWY vaccine, a meningococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against four common types of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria—A, C, W, and Y. This vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps safeguard the community by preventing outbreaks.

“Vaccination is not just about protecting the individual but also about creating herd immunity,” says Dr. Solano. “When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, the spread of the disease is slowed, making it less likely that those who are not vaccinated (e.g., individuals with compromised immune systems) will be exposed. This collective protection helps to prevent outbreaks and protects vulnerable members of the community.”

Our School-Based Health Care (SBHC) clinics work closely with school partners on campuses including the school nurses by connecting students needing immunizations to our clinics. We offer vaccines for both private and Texas VFC vaccines,” explains SBHC Vice-President Stephanie Ramirez.

Legacy provides personalized consultations and education to ensure that patients receive the appropriate immunizations at the right time. Their services include the ImmTrac2 registry, which helps track needed vaccines for students. Vaccinations are available at multiple locations with extended hours for added convenience. Through back-to-school vaccination programs, Legacy helps families stay healthy and compliant with school requirements.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Dr. Solano said that some parents are misinformed about meningococcal disease and its vaccine. “Some common misconceptions include the idea that meningococcal disease only affects older adults, that the vaccine is only necessary if there is an outbreak, or that the side effects of the vaccine are more dangerous than the disease itself,” she said.

Addressing parents’ concerns about vaccine safety is an important part of her role.

“We provide clear, evidence-based information. We explain that the meningococcal vaccine is safe and emphasize the risks of not vaccinating,” she says.

Legacy is Here to Help

Legacy is more than just a healthcare provider—they are a partner in keeping families safe. From vaccinations to personal consultations, the Legacy team is dedicated to making healthcare accessible, comfortable, and effective.

“We educate our families and inform them of their options including connecting them to eligibility services so they can continue to access the comprehensive care they need,” said Ramirez. “If they are uninsured/underserved, they are eligible for state-funded vaccines through the Texas Vaccines for Children program.”

“In at-risk communities, challenges include limited access to healthcare, financial constraints, language barriers, and lack of awareness about vaccination schedules,” adds Dr. Solano. “Legacy helps overcome these barriers by offering affordable, accessible care and providing educational outreach in various languages.”

By choosing vaccination at Legacy Community Health, families not only protect themselves but also contribute to the overall health and safety of the community.