"I Took the Shot" Contest Raises Awareness of Deadly Bacterial Meningitis

Meningitis Angels is Accepting Photos through December 14 for a Chance to Win an iPad

HOUSTON, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Meningitis Angels announced today the "I Took the Shot" contest encouraging children between the ages of 10 and 18 to protect themselves against bacterial meningitis.  By sending a photo of themselves getting vaccinated against this deadly disease, contestants are eligible to win an iPad, digital camera or $100 gift card.

"With the national attention focused on fungal meningitis, it is important we don't forget about the dangers of bacterial meningitis," said Frankie Milley the mother of an only child, Ryan who lost his life to bacterial meningitis.  "This is a devastating disease, but it is easily preventable. A simple vaccine could save the life of someone you love. After losing my own son, I made it my life's mission to prevent other parents from experiencing the loss of a child."

"I Took the Shot" focuses on teens, as they are at particularly high risk. The disease can result in limb loss, brain damage, blindness and deafness.  Moreover, ten percent of those who contract the disease will die.  Bacterial meningitis can strike quickly and unexpectedly, and cannot be treated, only prevented. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all teens and young adults through age 22 be vaccinated.  Earlier in the year a new vaccine was approved to prevent two of the most common forms of meningococcal disease in infants as young as two months.

Photo submissions will be accepted through December 14, 2012. Contestants can submit a photo by visiting: http://www.meningitis-angels.org/meningitis-angels-vaccination-photo-contest.html

For more information on meningitis visit www.Meningitis-Angels.org or www.CDC.org

Meningitis Angels is a national non-profit organization founded in memory of Ryan Wayne Milley, the only child of Bob and Frankie Milley. Ryan's life was taken at age 18, as a result of meningococcal meningitis/meningococcemia. Meningitis Angels educates the public, health professionals, child care facilities, schools and universities on not only meningitis but other vaccine preventable diseases and the preventions including vaccines, though personal stories, our educational brochures, posters and videos. Hundreds of families from across America and around the world make Angels one of the largest meningitis organizations in the world.

SOURCE Meningitis Angels