-
A spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the agency takes seriously the concerns of environmentalists that two East Tennessee mines are a threat to endangered fish.More >> A spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the agency takes seriously the concerns of environmentalists that two East Tennessee mines are a threat to endangered fish.More >> Blount County deputies are investigating after a Louisville couple was found dead in their home over the weekend.More >> Blount County deputies are investigating after a Louisville couple was found dead in their home over the weekend.More >> A recent drop in donations has a local organization pleading for the public's help. Mobile Meals delivers daily hot meals to hundreds of homebound seniors in Knoxville.More >> A recent drop in donations has a local organization pleading for the public's help. Mobile Meals delivers daily hot meals to hundreds of homebound seniors in Knoxville. Because of that drop in funding, they've been forced to put nearly 100 of them onto a waiting list.More >> More of the "Rakkasans" have returned to Fort Campbell from Afghanistan.More >> More of the "Rakkasans" have returned to Fort Campbell from Afghanistan.More >> Crews were called to 608 Equestrian Circle in the Blount County section of Seymour just after 3:00 a.m. Monday morning for what was originally a robbery call. Once officers arrived, they discovered an active meth lab.More >> Five people are facing charges after an early morning meth lab bust in Seymour. Crews were called to 608 Equestrian Circle in the Blount County section of Seymour just after 3:00 a.m.More >> Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, star of TLC's "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," reality TV show, and her colorful family are paying a visit to East Tennessee.More >> Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, star of TLC's "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," reality TV show, and her colorful family are paying a visit to East Tennessee.More >> A Knoxville man was robbed while making a deposit at a local bank for his employer.More >> A Knoxville man was robbed while making a deposit at a local bank for his employer.More >> The former farm where the Bonnaroo music festival is held may play host to other events as well.More >> The former farm where the Bonnaroo music festival is held may play host to other events as well.More >> The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued an AMBER Alert for a missing 8-year-old boy from Murfreesboro.More >> The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has canceled an AMBER Alert, saying a Middlesboro 8-year-old has been found, and his father was arrested.More >> The Knox County Commission is expected to vote on Mayor Tim Burchett's proposed budget plan Monday afternoon.More >> The Knox County Commission is expected to vote on Mayor Tim Burchett's proposed budget plan Monday afternoon.More >>
NASHVILLE (AP) - The Tennessee Association of School Nurses says more than half of Tennessee teens aren't vaccinated against meningitis.
With the new school year beginning, the group urges parents to get the shots for their children and teens. The first is administered at age 11-12 and a booster should be given around age 16-18.
Meningococcal meningitis can be spread through such contact as sharing drink bottles. Ten percent of people who contract the disease die - sometimes within 24 hours.
Dr. Kelly Moore, who directs the Tennessee Department of Health immunization program, said the shots are not required in Tennessee, but are recommended. There is no charge for the vaccine at public health clinics for children on TennCare, those who are uninsured if parents' insurance doesn't cover the shots.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
