Final answer:
Children aged 12 months to 12 years can receive the MMR vaccine together with the meningococcal vaccine. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, with debunked claims regarding autism, and both vaccines are vital for preventing serious diseases like meningitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children 12 months to 12 years of age may receive the MMR vaccine together with a vaccine to prevent meningococcal meningitis. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, while the meningococcal vaccine protects against infections caused by the bacteria N. meningitidis, which can lead to serious diseases such as meningitis. It is often recommended that children receive this additional vaccination by the age of 11-12 or before entering high school, according to vaccination schedules.
It is important to note that concerns about the MMR vaccine causing autism have been thoroughly debunked. The study that originally claimed such a link has been discredited, and vaccines are widely recognized as safe and effective in the medical community. Vaccinations are essential for protecting individuals and the public from preventable diseases.