DE SCR88

Recognizes meningococcal disease as a serious, potentially life-threatening infection spread through respiratory and throat secretions, with approximately 1,000-1,200 cases occurring annually in the U.S.

Notes that 10-15 percent of infected individuals die and 11-19 percent of survivors suffer serious morbidity including loss of limbs and nervous system damage, with infants under one year and young adults aged 16-21 most commonly affected.

Directs Delaware's private and public high schools, colleges, and universities to provide students and parents with information about meningococcal disease serogroups, symptoms, risks, treatment, and available vaccines with their benefits and limitations.

Urges educational institutions to recommend that current and entering students receive meningococcal vaccines in accordance with current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines.

Emphasizes the importance of educating stakeholders about serogroup B meningococcal disease and vaccine availability, particularly following recent college campus outbreaks.