TALLAHASSEE — In response to the ongoing outbreak of meningococcal infections in Florida, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP) today issued the following recommendation to parents, pediatricians and pediatric healthcare providers.

All eligible children and adolescents should be vaccinated against meningococcal infection as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics. We strongly recommend that all pediatricians and pediatric providers proactively communicate with families and encourage them to get the meningococcal vaccines for their children.

Children and adolescents are at the highest risk for meningococcal infections, which can be fatal. Vaccines are the best protection against this life-threatening infection.

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Through its more than 2,500 members, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the health and welfare of Florida’s children and supports pediatricians and pediatric specialists as the best qualified providers of their healthcare. Learn more by visiting www.fcaap.org.

For more information:
Scott VanDeman, Communications Coordinator
svandeman@fcaap.org
Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics