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Essay On Meningitis

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Throughout history in the United States, various epidemics have had their adverse effects amongst the population. Yet, those who fall particularly vulnerable to such epidemics are those whom are often young and have yet to build proper immunity to foreign invaders. One of the most feared diseases for children and young adults today is Bacterial Meningitis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Meningitis can be formed through the inflammation of the meninges in an individual’s brain (2014). Although there are numerous causes for Meningitis, Bacterial Meningitis is the most severe and often deadly strain in which greatly effects children and young adults (CDC, 2014). Furthermore, the prevalence of meningitis continues to …show more content…

This promotion tactic sought to, “reduce bacterial meningitis to more than 4.7 cases per 100,000 people” by 2000. Ultimately, promotion was to be done through the completion and distribution of vaccines, public education, and vaccine programs (Healthy People, 2000). Although this promotion was successful in 2000 and public health goals were met, increases in the new strain, Serogroup B, has created a new public health concern that was not addressed in Healthy People 2020. Reciprocal effects can be seen in the increase of Bacterial Meningitis amongst the youth because Public Health Departments have little funding to research and promote the new vaccine that would decrease its prevalence. Therefore to incorporate a new approach for the vaccine, there should be a fully integrated approach such as the Strategic Health Communication Campaign Model. This model is considered to be a “synthesis” model in which encompasses a collective approach to public health needs. There are five stages: 1) Planning 2) Use of Theory 3) Communications Analysis 4) Implementation 5) Evaluation and Reorientation. Collectively, these stages aid the public in health knowledge, beliefs, values, and behaviors that can be tailored towards vaccinating children and young adults against Bacterial Meningitis (Bensley & Brookins-Fisher,

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