The meningitis B vaccine is now available at Pella Regional Health Center.

It’s highly recommended for those attending college, the military, or any other situations where they will be living in close quarters, with some institutions are even requiring it at admission. Staff at Pella Regional Health Center say Meningitis B is an uncommon but serious disease, which can lead to an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. The meningitis vaccine most people may have received when they were younger didn’t cover meningitis B, because a vaccine wasn’t available until late 2014. The bacteria that cause meningitis B live within the nose and throat and can be passed through saliva, coughing or sneezing. Initial symptoms of fever, headache and stiff neck may be mild, which is why staff say it’s easy to confuse the early signs with the flu or a cold. However, symptoms can progress rapidly and can lead to death, sometimes within 24 hours. Vaccines are available at Pella Regional Health Center’s area clinics.

Staff in Pella Regional’s family of medical clinics are able to give this vaccine as well as ensure children are up-to-date on all of their immunizations. Request an appointment at www.pellahealth.org/requestanappointment or call today to schedule your child for their immunization:
• Pella: 641-621-2200
• Ottumwa: 641-455-5200
• Knoxville: 641-828-3832
• Bussey: 641-944-5813
• Monroe: 641-259-2155
• New Sharon: 641-637-4046
• Sully: 641-594-3150