True Story #1
Teen Dies Because the “Flu” was Meningitis in Disguise
In 1999, Trevor was 19 years old and attending Georgia Institute of Technology. Complaining of a low fever and sensitivity to light. He went to the hospital at 8 p.m. Seven hours later, the hospital pronounced him dead. The disease had spread that quickly.

“Don’t ever think it can never happen to you…Don’t ever let it happen to you!
Make sure your son or daughter is immunized."
--Trevor's mother



True Story #2
Student Survives Meningitis But Not Without Consequences
By 9 p.m. the Friday of the 1999 Michigan vs. Michigan State game, Adam, an MSU sophomore, felt what he thought was the flu coming on. By 6 p.m. the next day, he was facing a future operation for skin grafts and had lost parts of 7 fingers and 4 toes to a disease he knew nothing about—bacterial meningitis.

“I felt like I was coming down with flu,” said Busuttil. “I passed out in the shower. My parents took me to the hospital for an x-ray to rule out a broken arm and a concussion. I kept passing out on them.”

In the course of waiting for the X-rays, his temperature soared and his blood pressure plummeted. He was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis which is a fast-acting bacterial infection that attacks the lining around the brain and the spinal cord affecting some 2,400 to 3,000 Americans annually.

“If I can save one person from experiencing what I when through, it’ll be worth it,” he said. “I know people don’t like shots, but getting a prick from a needle is nothing compared to lasting effects of the disease. My mission is to raise awareness…Awareness is half the battle.”

Immunizations Are Convenient Through VNA.

For Parents:
Make an appointment at our Oak Park office between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday - Friday; or

Host a "Shot Party" at your home:
"Shot parties" are the fun and easy way to get vaccinated. Simply gather 15 or more of your friends in need of a meningitis shot at your home. We'll send a nurse with vaccine. Call for prices and to schedule an appointment.

For Schools:
Click here to E-mail your request for a School Meningitis Kit.
Kit includes information sheet, sample parent letter, sample student message and service contract to arrange for an on-site VNA immunization clinic.

Questions/Appointments
VNA Manager of Community Programs (248) 967-8751
VNA Community Programs (248) 967-8752
E-Mail: vna@vna.org 

 

Meningitis FAQ